For those who are passionate about animal protection, there are few things more infuriating than seeing an animal being abused or neglected, and not knowing what to do. Sadly, it is not uncommon for pet owners to fail to provide them with the care they need to thrive. When there is extreme abuse occurring, it is usually possible to involve the local law enforcement to have the animal taken away and kept safe. For milder forms of abuse and neglect, however, that is often not an option. The following are several things, that you can do to help protect animals in these situations.
• Talk to the Owner – In some cases an animal is being abused or neglected due to the ignorance of the owner rather than any intent. Consider talking to the owner about your concerns and see if they are willing and able to make the needed changes. Try to do this in a non-confrontational way to get the best results.
• Offer to Help – Related to the previous option, you can also offer to help the owner provide the care that is needed. This is a great option if the abuse or neglect is happening in your neighborhood. Not only will you be able to provide the needed care, but it may also serve as a reminder to the owner that people are watching when they don’t provide care to their pets.
• Involve Local Animal Protection Agencies – In many areas, there are several animal protection agencies that may be able to help. The ASPCA is a national charity, but you can also look for local options. They will be very familiar with local laws and other strategies that can help get the animal the care that it needs.
While animal abuse and neglect can be heart breaking, it is important to remember that there are things you can do to help. Taking simple steps to help provide animals with protection will give these special creatures a better life for years to come.