Dogs and cats are the most familiar pets in the United States. It is easy to forget, however, that they are living animals. They need to be respected as just that — living beings. If you have any suspicions or know of any cases of animal cruelty or neglect, please report it — whether it is a person/personality intentionally mistreating an animal or even a case of animal neglect. The earlier you report your concerns, the more likely it is that you can save an animal from suffering.
You never want to see an animal in need, but if you see one, take the time to help it. If you see a dog or a cat that is lost and needs assistance, let your local shelter know so they can find this pet a home. If you see an animal in your neighbor’s yard, do not just walk by! Make sure they are okay, and if they are not, then you can report this to savearescue.org via 24/7 hotline services provided by them.
Tips for reporting animal cruelty
What to do if you witness animal cruelty is always a hard decision. If someone who is not law enforcement is abusing an animal, it may be too late for that person. There are many ways to report the abuse you were witness to. You can contact your local police department and speak with their Animal Cruelty Division. You could also call the national hotline at 1-888-602-7722. Alternatively, you could report via social media by tagging #IAmCruel on Twitter and posting a link to the webpage on which you witnessed the abuse.
How making rescue calls can help save lives
If you see a dog or cat in need, it is important to call 911 on your phone. This can help save their life as a rescue might be able to reach them quickly and take them to a local animal shelter. Reminders to keep your pet safe. Often, we forget important precautions that can help prevent a pet from being attacked by other animals or humans. Keep pets on a leash, and clean up after them so they do not leave behind obvious food sources and attract pests. Also, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about vaccinations and check for any signs of illness in your pet before leaving it outside unsupervised.
“If you see an animal who is obviously in distress, call 911 and an animal control officer will come to help,” said Pestack. “If you think a wild animal is injured, call your local Animal Control or the Florida Wildlife Commission at (904) 464-1113.” If you find an injured wild animal and need to transport it to a veterinarian, contact your local USDA office at (904) 390-1543.
How to make a difference by volunteering
If you are feeling so inclined and want to make a difference in the world, volunteering can be an effective way to do so. Some of the best ways to volunteer include animal rescue, teaching others how to read, or doing administrative work for an organization.
Conclusion
If you witness a dog or cat in need, try to help the pet out of harm’s way. You could also call your local animal shelter so they can come pick up and care for the companion animal.
