Reporting Animal Cruelty and Abuse
In NYC dial 311 to report an act of cruelty
New Jersey NJSPCA 1 800 582-5979
PETA 757 622-7382
Other States, call or visit your local police department
Acts of cruelty and abuse take many forms. Some are subtle and some are open and blatant. It is incumbent upon all of us to recognize the signs. Here are helpful tips from the Humane Society US
Deliberate and/or obvious cruelty:
Beating, stabbing, shooting, open wounds, Extreme thinness or emaciation
Neglect:
Withholding water, food, shelter and basic medical care
Physical signs:
Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
Collar to tight as to cause neck wound
Confusion or drowsiness
Untreated skin conditions
Limping and/or inability to stand or walk normally
Heavy Discharge from eyes and nose
Environmental Signs of Cruelty:
- Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or food or water that is unsanitary
- Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
- Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
- Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements
Help End Dog Fighting (Courtesy of the ASPCA) Despite being wonderful companion animals, Pit Bulls often attract the worst kind of dog owners—those who are only interested in them for fighting or protection. It’s a shame what has happened to this loyal and affectionate breed. Despite its illegality, people are still training and breeding Pit Bulls to participate in dogfights across the country. Here are ten ways you can help end this cruel sport:
Support stronger laws. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to keep up to date on dog fighting legislation in your state.
Alert the media. Your local newspaper and television station are always looking for stories, especially investigative ones. Be sure to contact them about the cruelty and dangers of dog fighting.
Call or write your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating dog fighting cruelty should be a priority. Dog fighting is a crime and the police must investigate these cases.
Keep your eyes and ears open. If you suspect dog fighting in your own neighborhood, contact the police or your local animal control officer. Provide as much information as you can, such as the date and time you noticed something wrong, the address or location, and what led you to believe there was dog fighting taking place.
Protect your pets. Dog fighters sometimes steal companion animals to use as bait dogs. Don’t let your animals outside without supervision, and make sure they have proper identification tags and are micro-chipped.
Adopt a Pit Bull and let your perfect pooch be an ambassador for the breed! Be sure to read these Pit Bull adoption tips before you start your search.
Set a good example for others. If you are already the proud parent of a Pit Bull, be sure to always show them the love and good care that they deserve. And always let others know what great companions they make.
Volunteer! If your local shelter is facing a Pit Bull dilemma, volunteer to help keep adoptable Pit Bulls and Pit mixes mentally and physically fit by exercising them or taking them to obedience classes. You can also lead a chew-toy drive at work to collect raw hides or hard rubber playthings to keep them busy, or help create a fundraiser to support a free sterilization program for Pit Bulls in your local shelter.
Educate others in your community about the horrors of dog fighting and start a neighborhood watch program.
