According to the old saying, a dog is man's best friend. However, by helping stop animal abuse, it's possible for man to return the favor.
What can the average citizen do about animal cruelty? A lot, according to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). One way to make a difference is to start a Neighborhood Watch for Animals program in your community. Whether it is incorporating animals into existing Neighborhood Crime Watch programs or starting a program from scratch, all you need to do is ask residents to be on the lookout for signs that animals are being abused.
"Public involvement is the key to stopping animal cruelty," says Virginia Prevas, manager of HSUS' First Strike program. "Anyone can make a difference without risking his or her safety. If you know animals are being abused, report it to local law enforcement or animal control."
In 41 states and the District of Columbia, certain types of animal cruelty are felony crimes. You can help tighten the leash on those who abuse animals by being a voice for stricter laws and stronger penalties. Contact local, state and federal political officials and let them know that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in your community.
"By being alert to animal cruelty and reporting it to law enforcement, we not only help protect the animals in our communities," says Prevas, "we may also be alerting authorities to other victims in the home."
For those interested in starting their own Neighborhood Watch for Animals program, HSUS has materials to help, including a tip sheet with practical suggestions for citizens who want to do more to protect animals in their communities. In addition, the organization offers wallet cards so people can keep emergency numbers handy in case they need to report animal cruelty to the proper authorities.
The more you know about the animals in your neighborhood, the more you can do to protect them.
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