| Witnessing animal neglect or abuse can be a heart | | | | the eyes and ears of the community members. |
| wrenching experience. For those who love animals it | | | | If a person lives in a rural area that does not actually |
| is difficult to understand why it happens. However, | | | | have a humane shelter that they can contact, then |
| no matter if one understands it or not, they have a | | | | they should still report the abuse. They can do this |
| responsibility to stop or report the abuse if they | | | | by contacting their local police department. |
| observe it happening. The key is education on the | | | | They also have the jurisdiction to make sure that the |
| prevention of cruelty to animals and how to deal with | | | | animal laws against cruelty are enforced. Another |
| this horrid experience, not only for the animals and | | | | place to check if one does not feel comfortable |
| their safety, but to make sure that the person | | | | contacting the police is a website that can help locate |
| committing the crime is punished. | | | | a local animal care organization. Two of these sites |
| The first place that should be contacted when one | | | | are "Pet Finder" and "Pets 911". |
| has witnessed animal neglect is the local humane | | | | The world of animal neglect is a sad thing. So many |
| shelter. They have the power to enforce the animal | | | | times people overlook animal abuse or cruelty |
| cruelty laws that exist in almost all states and | | | | because they are not sure what to do. With just a |
| subsequently hold the abuser responsible for their | | | | phone call one can help an animal who is in need. |
| actions. | | | | Even farm animals horses and other livestock are |
| They can be fined and even put in jail depending on | | | | covered by the animal laws that exist in most places. |
| how strict the laws are in the state where the abuse | | | | One only has to take the initiative to keep the |
| took place. The only way that the humane shelter will | | | | animals safe. They are counting on us. |
| know about the neglect in the community is through | | | | |