4 The Love Of Dogs: Dog Grooming: Observation Curbs Abuse: of Dogs

This article is from: DogFancy: By Kyra Kirkwood: April 2004 issue.

OBSERVATION CURBS ABUSE. Collect facts to help a mistreated dog.

Out on a walk, you see a man repeatedly kick his dog. Last week you noticed your neighbor's puppy chained outside for days without care. What do you do?

1. Know what constitutes animal cruelty.
According to the ASPCA, it includes any act of violence or neglect, such as overt abuse, beating, dog fighting, or denial of basic necessities - food, water, or shelter. Trust your gut, says Annemarie Lucas, a supervisory investigator for humane law enforcement at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York.

2. Be a good witness.
"Sometimes, eyes and ears are better than anything," Lucas says. If you see an incident, gather as much information as possible; a description of events; the location, time, and date; and details that could potentially help identify the person(s) involved, such as a license-plate number and model of a car. If you can safely see where the person lives, write down the address, says Lucas, who stars in the Animal Planet reality show Animal Precinct. If you can do so undetected, take pictures or video, especially if it's an ongoing incident. Keep your emotions in check, and relay the facts in a calm, controlled manner, she adds.

3. Find out to whom you should report the incident.
In New York, for example, people can call the ASPCA's team of humane law enforcement officers, a group solely devoted to investigating crimes against animals in that city.
Not all cities have such a group dedicated to animal cruelty investigations. But that doesn't mean no one will help. Contact your city or county government, police department, or local humane society to find out who in your community handles investigations.

Click on "Utah Animal services" to find an
animal control center near you.

Or visit the ASPCA's Web site
(www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=Animal)
to search for agencies in your area.

But what if you call the right department and get dismissed? Ask to speak with a supervisor or manager, Lucas suggests. "You don't have to take the word of the first person assisting you" she says. Call or visit your city council members or mayor if you have to, Lucas advises. Be persistent.

4. Don't approach an animal abuser in the act.
But if you must confront an abuser, do it in a non-threatening manner, and don't do it alone. You might try asking, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" Lucas says. But above all, use caution.
In addition, the only time you should call 911, according to Lucas: If you see an overtly heinous incident of abuse in progress, such as a dog-fighting ring or act of torture that could end the dog's life.
"You don't want everyone calling 911 [when they see a dog walker] tugging on the leash," she advises, noting again the importance of observing the entire scene first.
Working with the ASPCA, Lucas has seen devastating cases turn out wonderfully when the dog gets rescued, adopted, and loved by a caring family. "That's the best part," she says, "It's closure for us. It gives us the power and will to go on."

Below find phone numbers for varies non-emergency dispatch centers.

They are all 24 hr. Call anytime day or night. They will be able to answer your concerns and questions, directing you in the proper manor to handle your concern.

Phone numbers to call after hours,
for urgent help that may not be an emergency.