Preventing animal cruelty

 

HELP US PREVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY

Animals do not have a voice, so we need to be their voices!  Preventing animal cruelty is in all of our best interests. Animal cruelty is not only abhorrent in its own right, but it is often a gateway crime to violence against adults and children.

 

We follow the 5 freedoms of animal welfare:

FREEDOM FROM HUNGER & THIRST

FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY, DISEASE

FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT

FREEDOM FROM FEAR & DISTRESS

FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NATURAL BEHAVIOURS

 

We are committed to help break the cycle and to help us stop animal cruelty, you need to understand the problem,, recognize the signs, report it and help educate others to prevent it.

 

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

A few facts about animal abuse:

  • The abuse of pets and animal companions is a daily occurrence.
  • Many animals suffer multiple forms of abuse, with the most common type of abuse being neglect and abandonment.
  • Cases of animal abuse include neglect, shooting, stabbing, fighting, beating, mutilation, torture, strangulation, rape, cannibalism, burning and poisoning.
  • Most animal abuse is never reported
  • Dogs and cats are the most common victims, but abuse happens among other animal species, including domestic farm animals, wild animals, small pets, birds etc.

 

ANIMAL OVERPOPULATION is a massive problem, especially with cats and dogs. If there were less animals, with enough “good homes”, less animals can land in the wrong hands. This needs to be addressed through education, sterilisation campaigns and stricter breeding regulations. 

 

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS

All animal cruelty cases can be separated into three basic categories: unintentional, intentional and cruel intent. Once you learn to recognize the warning signs of animal abuse, you’ll be better equipped to report it.

  • It may be hard to believe, but many people don’t even know that the harm they are inflicting on their pets is in fact abuse. This type of abuse is known as unintentional, and it’s caused through neglect, animal hoarding or failing to meet an animal’s basic needs.
  • Intentional animal abuse and cruel intent both refer to abuse that is performed with the knowledge that an animal is being harmed and possibly injured.
  • Cruel intent is often recurring, and abusers in this category feel a sense of power, control or enjoyment when inflicting pain on these animals.

 

11 SIGNS OF CRUELTY

1 – POOR BODY CONDITION AND NOTICEABLE TRAUMA

2 – LACK OF FOOD OR WATER

3 – LACK OF SHELTER

4 – LACK OF SANITATION  

5 – ABANDONED

6 – THE ANIMAL IS TIED OR CAGED

7 – CHAINS, ROPES, WIRE OR PADLOCKS AROUND THE ANIMAL’S NECK

8 – SIGNS OF AN ANIMAL BEING TRAINED TO OR HAVING BEEN USED TO FIGHT

9 – THE ANIMAL’S BEHAVIOR IS ABNORMAL

10 – TOO MANY ANIMALS LIVING ON ONE PROPERTY/HOARDING

11 – OVERT ACTS OF VIOLENCE

 

One important note: Do not approach an aggressive owner with accusations of animal abuse. Instead, notify authorities and allow them to handle the case.

 

REPORTING CRUELTY

ALWAYS REPORT CRUELTY! If you notice an animal that appears to be suffering, call your local animal welfare agency (mainly the SPCA in SA) immediately!  Do not send a message or email or do this through social media as we lose precious time!  Call until they answer! It can always be done anonymous and even if you are unsure, rather report so the SPCA can investigate.

https://nspca.co.za/find-your-spca/

HOW TO REPORT

  • Is it safe to take a photo/video?
  • Get an exact address or pin drop
  • Call your local SPCA or via the NSPCA website www.nspca.co.za
  • Assist with the case

 

FIGHTING CRUELTY 

TIPS TO PREVENT CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

  • Report suspected cruelty!  
  • Be a responsible pet owner. 
  • Be an example of kindness to other pets. Foster or Adopt
  • Intervene if you witness animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.
  • Teach your children to have respect for animals. 
  • Know the legislation & support legislation that promotes kindness to animals.  
  • Consider the animal and social welfare link.  
  • Educate people around you about the issue. 
  • Offer help to people who are overwhelmed with their animal. 
  • Volunteer in animal welfare.
  • Choose cruelty-free products like skin/body/hair/make-up.  

 

Preventing animal cruelty is no easy task, but with your help, we CAN DO THIS!

 

#reportcruelty #spreadtheword #preventionbetterthancure #animalabuse #education

Source: The Paw Company September 2020