by Pat Merewether

Created on: November 18, 2008

Please step up if you see a dog roaming loose in the street, tied to a tree without shelter or food or water, or being mistreated anyway, please have a heart and report it to your local ASPCA, Humane Society or Animal control. Rescuers are the last hope of abused and neglected animals and often all it takes is a bit of communication with the owner or making a phone call. You may be saving a life.

If you suspect or observe abuse or neglect, please take action is to talk with the owner. Approach them in positive manner, friendly manner and learn as much as you can about the situation before calling authorities. Many people who neglect their animals don't realize the severity of the situation. The owner may have become ill or is unable to take care of their animal as they once did and perhaps you can offer to help out in some way. Dogs are social animals and usually love people, so just by visiting you will be helping.

Call your local animal shelter, Humane ASPCA or rescue group and seek their advice. They may take the case and send someone to the dog's home to investigate. These groups are great about educating pet owners and offering help so the pet can remain with their family. If this fails, they will cease the animal and try to solve any aggression or health problems and then find a more appropriate home. The goal of these agencies is the well-being of the animal and will go to great lengths to make sure the situation is resolved.

Hoarding is often a situation that leads to neglect. People who love dogs or cats will start by rescuing one or two animals. Unfortunately, these folks have psychological problems that turn them hoarders who do not take the time or cannot afford to have the pets spayed or neutered. Dogs can give birth in nine weeks, so if you do the math you'll soon realize how hoarders quickly become overwhelmed. A hoarder is usually well meaning, but unable to control their compulsion. When this happens calling your local animal control or rescue group is the only thing you can do. Having five or six pets is one thing, but filling a house with a dozen or more is not healthy for the animals or the people living there.

Adopting the animal is an option. Our son lived next door to a family who tied their dog to the chain-link fence. Jasmine's water dish was easily knocked over when she moved around, so was often empty. It was evident she was not being fed regularly. Being new to the neighborhood, our son and his wife did not want to make instant enemies, so began providing water and food daily and would visit her and talk with this friendly black lab. Finally, as winter approached, they asked the neighbor if they would allow them to adopt the dog and they eagerly agreed. As is often the case, the owners bought the puppy on impulse and grew tired of her when she reached the house-breaking stage. It was fortunate that our son and his wife were able to take the dog into their loving home. Of course you can't adopt every mistreated animal, but it is something to consider.

If you suspect or observe animal cruelty or neglect, please do what you can to alleviate the pet's suffering. Often it's as easy as talking with the owner or making a phone call.

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