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.

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.