Poachers Leaving Elephant Orphans

(CBS) This story was first broadcast on Dec. 21, 2008. It was updated on April 23, 2009

(CBS) Dame Daphne has been running the elephant orphanage for almost 30 years. She was born and raised in Kenya, and married David Sheldrick, Africa’s leading crusader against poaching. After his death in 1977, Dame Daphne founded the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Help David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Now!

Original CBS article Abused Animals Animal Abuse Awareness

Meet Bo, the First Dog

 

The Obamas welcome Bo, a six-month old Portuguese water dog and a gift from
Senator and Mrs. Kennedy to Sasha and Malia, recently at the White House. 
(White House photos by Pete Souza)

White House Link

Animal Abuse And Neglect Prevention

There are many things we can do as a person, a neighbor, a citizen and a community to help in the fight against animal and pet abuse, but right now we do not have a solution as to quickly fixing this problem. This fight will be won slowly and by one person at a time, doing his or her part in the widespread problem of animal and pet abuse.

Many have their facts of taking care of a pet or animal down pat, while many more are just not sure. Many think they know what it takes, but then somewhere along the way of pet ownership came the dreaded words, “I didn’t realize”. I needn’t say more.

We know all to well of situations that have started out with the best of intentions and seemingly hearts were in the right place about owning a pet, but the reality is thousand of animals or previous pets found abandoned, neglected or alienated. Injuries left to heal on their own or medical needs not attended to promptly or not at all.

There are many ways an individual can take care of an animal and not have to physically take care of them. Let me break it down, as to what I mean. There are so many animal shelters and clinics, wildlife refuges and habitats that need donations or your help monetary wise to take care in the feeding and sheltering and hiring of employees to take care of the many animals that need help.

You can contribute in many ways and help animals that have been abandoned abused or neglected and are threatened with their actual existence and not have to make the decision to take on pet or animal ownership and all that is involved in this endeavor. You can even find shelters or wildlife sanctuaries that need volunteers or people willing to dedicate their time to taking care of or feeding or just playing and loving the animals that are being temporarily housed and homed until they find a more permanent home and loving and caring owners.

When you take on the ownership of a pet or animal, people don’t realize they are putting that animal in a situation that may end up resulting in instability and risks as to the animals welfare. This happens when people have not been educated and made aware of the possibility that their choice of pet or animal may not work out. The intentions were good, but now fluffy is biting, tearing up the furniture, or housebreaking is not going as planned. Next, fluffy is left to their own demise. People are not realizing that animals who have been domesticated and suddenly put out somewhere or is abandoned cannot take care of themselves as their untamed or foraging ancestors once did.

Making a donation or volunteering will be very effective in helping many pets or animals welfare. Animal homing clicks and agencies are cropping up everywhere across the globe and are always in need of assistance and donations, so finding one in your area as well as out will not be a difficult thing to do.

Prevention Of Animal Abuse, One Person At A Time

Just take a look at some of the cases of animal abuse and cruelty in any abuse database, and one can see there is a need, a dire need of help to eradicate and stamp out physical as well as emotional abuse of animals. Right now there is only thirty one states that claim felonies to anyone who is found proven in their abuse to animal or animals, and that needs to change.

Each person can individually take a part in helping to animals and changing the amount of states that hold people responsible for their abuse of animals. Volunteering and making donations are just to name a few. Plus, you can always come up with your own way of helping. Holding a yard sale and giving all the money made to a shelter or organization is a great way to help, plus it just makes you feel darn good in knowing your helping helpless animals. Let’s now discuss some ways you as an individual can help

Your local government needs to hear your voice as it pertains to this matter of animal abuse. Writing to them will not be a long drawn out process and it will aid them in letting them know that they need to take action in animal abuse. Let them know that they need to take animal abuse seriously and implement a law or laws that will come to the aid of so many desperate animals that have been neglected or abused. You may think that one voice can not do much, but if everyone gets on the bandwagon, the possibilities are endless.

You can also help and show your dedication to helping animals of abuse by sending emails to friends and family that you think will feel strongly like you about abuse of animals or their neglect. You may even be familiar with local community activists of animal rights and if you are not, do some research and locate a few and join their group or simply lend a hand where it is most needed.

A mere few people that are seriously motivated to protecting animals and their rights to be heard, can mean all the difference in the world to an abused or neglected animal. One can even find connections on getting animals placed in permanent, loving homes. These organizations always need assistance, and if you are not busy a day or two here or there, volunteer your time where they need it most. Answering calls in their offices or handing printouts will be beneficial. Remember, anything that you can do as one person could start a viral interests in helping abused animals. There are endless numbers of stories one can read of that tell the tale of how just one person, made a global difference. So, don’t be discouraged in feeling you won’t make a difference. The only way you won’t, is if you stand by and do nothing at all.

Breeds Of Animals Affected By Abuse

Abuse first off, is something that can affect any animal or pet and has no preference as to what breed it picks to affect. Any breed is susceptible and can be a victim of abuse and or, neglect. Abuse is not limited to a physical action, but can be emotionally inflicted as well.

There are many people that have no care or concern of animals in any sense of the word. It does my heart a personal injustice when seeing how an animal has been neglected or abuse while in the care of another human being.

Now, in our discussion of breeds affected by abuse or animal cruelty or just plain neglect, there are breeds that seem to be more widely affected by abuse or neglect. Animals that have a dominant tendency are often the victims of abuse in just that they are often geared more to being high energy or high-maintenance. New pet owners need to take these tendencies into consideration prior to bringing a new pet into their lives.

Some animals are normally and genetically inclined to have bouts or displays of being protective, incessant barking, or just appearing to be to rambunctious when at play. Some owners mistake this for behavioral disfunction and tire of the animal. Their acts of discipline oo the animal resorts to physical contact, and not in a good way either!

When people decide to take on ownership of an animal, they do not realize that this means all of the animals food, shelter, medical needs, and love need to be a permanent decision, not just temporarily or until the animal doesn’t respond as they would have liked them to. Owning a pet or animal is much more than that, and if people would take into consideration all of the things involved, and make an educated and smart decision in their owning of a pet, abuse could be well on it’s way to being stamped out.

Also, abuse and neglect occurs when an owner has chosen a certain breed or animal for a specific reason such as, using the pet for just breeding purposes, or using them to fight one another for their profit and gain. This is a whole other gray area in the plight of many to stand up and fight for animals that can’t speak for themselves, let alone defend themselves from the owners and the situations the owners bring them into.

The love of an animal, and of course food and shelter are not all that will sustain an animal. So much more foes into their care and needs. If you are not sure of just what it takes to care for a specific animal or animal breed, and you are seriously contemplating getting one that you are not sure how to take care of. Your local animal shelter or many animal refuge caretakers can educate you in this area, and are all to happy to assist. Play it smart, when making a decision as to what breed or animal you will want for a pet.

Pet Abuse And Neglect Defined

There are many definitions of pet abuse or neglect and you will find that many people and their interpretation of abuse of animals can be varied and different when compared to others and their view of this subject. Knowing what is considered to be abuse validation of an animal or pet can be more difficult than you think.

Of course there are the definite signs of abuse of an animal that anyone can pick up on, but what about all the animals in an abuse situation that people won’t or don’t ever detect. Knowing what to look for besides the obvious is a discussion we all should be familiar with, but unfortunately aren’t.

Dogs and cats are the most widespread of all animals that are kept in homes as pets across the globe. There are many breeds of both of these animals that have been domesticated and made into pets for our companionship. But, many people get a pet with the best of intentions in mind and find they are very challenged by the animals needs and find that it is a full time investment into a pets care and welfare. The cost of upkeep of a specific animal or breed of animal is what many think they can handle but, in reality is something that many find to be a different story.

There is more to it than just food, water, a home and love for the animal or pet. If you have or have had a pet, many know all to well that trips to the veterinarian or medical needs of an ailing animal or beloved pet is something they hadn’t really anticipated and can become costly. It is something they had not contemplated when they first arrived home with he precious new puppy or warm furry friend. And of course, abuse doesn’t just hinder these two animals mentioned. Abuse is not picky and is something that knows no boundaries or has a preference as to what breed it will affect.

The obvious signs of abuse are malnourishment, injury that has been left to it’s on demise or has not been looked after or seen to. Signs of abuse can not always be detected by the naked eye though. There are many pets or animals that appear to be fine, but are suffering incomprehensible abuse and neglect. Also remember, that anyone who abandons an animal or pet is also inflicting abuse upon that animal.

Our pets look to us for food, shelter and all the love we can give. But, they are entitled to so much more and common sense can play a huge part in their protection and ability to live long, happy prosperous lives. If you want to find out more about this topic of abuse and neglect of an animal and what you should look for if you suspect abuse, you can visit your local animal shelter or contact them for more information. Even volunteering at a shelter or animal refuge can teach you very much about different animals and breeds and you will be helping animals in the process. It is a win win situation for all.

Pet Adoption: Adopting an Abused Animal

Every year thousands of animals are neglected by their owners, left in the middle of nowhere to fend for themselves, abused by being beaten or chained outside with no water or food. They are kept in pens so small they have no room to move around and sleep and walk in their own feces. These animals become shy, afraid, and even aggressive. They are rescued and taken to shelters to receive medical treatment and eventually are evaluated to see if they can be adopted. Sadly, some will not pass the evaluation because of their previous situation, or because they are in such poor health they die.

However, most animals in shelters or that have been rescued, may just need a little tender love and care to completely recover, once they receive any medical care needed. They may just need socialization or time to mature or just time to recover emotionally. Once they have recovered, you may find a pet more devoted and loyal, than a pet that comes from a non-abusive home. Just remember these animals have come from abusive situations and sometimes they will become scared from loud noises or anger in a voice or just a raised hand. Be patient and yes they will need extra attention.

Abused animals can be adopted, but before you make that decision, make sure you have considered all the possibilities. Be honest with yourself and your situation if you are considering adopting a pet from an abusive home. Pets are costly, time consuming and can be destructive if you don’t get them properly trained and remember that doesn’t happen overnight and with abused animals it may take longer than one that hasn’t been abused. It is a life long responsibility to take care of any animal and not something to be taken lightly. Rescue shelters require an adoption application to be completed by the person adopting. It is a requirement that they fully investigate any person or household that is adopting an animal that has been rescued to make sure they are not returning to a similar situation. The rescues must make sure that they are going to good homes where they will be well treated and loved.

Be responsible, don’t just get a pet and expect them to take care of themselves! Get them the proper medical attention, vaccinations and have them neutered or spayed. Make sure they have warm places in the winter, cool places in the summer and a dry place when it is wet. They love you unconditionally, and all they expect in return is a belly rub or a pat on the head. It is little they ask for, but sometimes, it costs them greatly.

Animal Shelters: Become a Volunteer

There are a lot of people in the world who are unable to have a pet where they live, or maybe they just don’t have the funds to feed and care for a pet. They may not have any family to keep them company or maybe there are retired. A solution could be the local animal shelter or a local chapter of the ASPCA.

If you are looking for something to benefit your life, would like to have a pet, but not sure if you can afford it or take care of it, or just want to spend sometime outside the home, volunteering at the local shelter could be the answer. Most animal shelters always need help, and they appreciate any kind they can get. Whether you walk dogs, clean pens or just play with some animals, it is much appreciated. By volunteering at the shelter you become part of the solution. Your benefits will be great and you will feel better by helping out. And if being with the animals is not exactly what you are looking for, there are other things you can assist with, like fundraising, or stuffing envelopes.

To get started as a volunteer, search the local newspapers or yellow pages for listing in your area. Drop by and see if there is something you can do for them one or two days a week or maybe a few hours a day. There maybe a form that is necessary for you to complete to be able to volunteer, so check with the shelter.

The benefits you reap will impact your life and maybe even prompt a career change or provide you with the dream career of your life. You will be part of a network of thousands, maybe even millions of people that are trying to improve the world to be safer and more humane for all living creatures. The friends you make besides the four legged kind, will share the same or similar interest and can become life long friendships, and the four legged friends, well they will provide you with unconditional love and loyalty.

No one can express the joy or feelings they get when they comfort an animal, make them feel secure or provide them with a little love. The look on the animals face is priceless and kisses are sometimes abundant and just knowing that you have made them feel wanted is sometimes more than a heart can take. Enjoy the wag of the tail, a purr or the knowing yap when they see you. Become a part of a shelter animals life, and yes the best things in life are free.

Animals Need Foster Care Too

You read or hear on the news at least monthly of animals being rescued from someone or some place where the animals have just been left to fend for themselves. The problem is usually, that the call comes too late for some of the animals to be saved. They have been left in pens that are too small for them to move, no food, and no water, walking in their own feces. You have all seen the pictures of great big dogs walking around and their bones almost poking through what skin they have left. People don’t think things through sometimes, and think that raising dogs, cats or any animal for resell is easy and inexpensive. They are dead wrong and sometime death of the animals is the outcome.

Organizations in the immediate area do what they can to get the animals help and some are even available for homes within just days. However, sometimes, depending on the number of animals rescued and the type of animals the organizations like the local humane society chapters or the county or city shelters, may not have enough room to keep all the rescued pets. Another issue is the health and socialization of the animal.

Becoming a foster parent for an animal could mean the difference between life and death for some animals when they are unadoptable right away. When animals are too sick, too young or don’t behave well around other animals and people, they are sometimes placed in foster homes. This gives the animals or pets time to heal, grow up some more and learn to interact with people and other animals. Foster care pets or animals once they are adoptable can be kept by the foster family or the foster care parents can run ads through the shelters like the human society or maybe even pet stores that run adoptions, for a permanent home.

To become a foster care parent for animals, you must be able to provide a clean and safe environment, food, vaccinations, and anything the veterinarian from the shelter has required for the animal to become healthy. This is the foster homes responsibility not only to provide for these items, but to cover the costs as most shelters don’t have the funds or resources to provide an unlimited supply.

If you are interested in being a foster parent for animals in your area, you can check with the humane society or a local chapter. You might also check with local veterinarians and animal shelters through the county. Remember however, just like with children, animals need attention, love, food and care for survival. Don’t just jump in without talking it over with your spouse, significant other or the rest of the household. It is a big responsibility and your rewards will be great! The unconditional love of an animal.