Protect Your Pet from Predators

By Darlene Zagata

Most pet owners consider their pet a member of the family and so they are concerned for the safety of their pets as they would be for any family member. We may think our pets are safe in our yard or on our own property, but even then our pets may face hidden dangers.

Although there may be territorial predators that threaten the existence of our pets, there are human hazards as well. A friend recently lost her dog due to poisoning. A few years ago I lost my beloved cat the same way. No one wants to think ill of his or her neighbors, but how well do you really know them? You might think twice if you have neighbors that make derogatory remarks or show any physical violence toward your pet. I know one woman who heard her dog barking repeatedly and when she went out to see what was wrong, she found her next-door neighbor in the yard swinging a baseball bat at her dog.

You don't have to put up with that type of behavior and neither does your pet. While it is your responsibility to keep your pet in check, people who attempt to assault or harm your pet on your property are violating your rights - not to mention the fact that they are committing a crime.

Although it may be hard to imagine that some people would go to such lengths, putting poison out for a neighborhood dog or cat is not beneath some people. As sad as such dastardly deeds may be, they often open the eyes of pet owners to dangers they may not have given much thought to otherwise.

As loving pet owners, it is our job to protect our pets to the best of our ability. You can do so by taking a few basic precautionary measures. Keep your pets indoors if possible. When walking dogs, keep them on a leash at all times so that they cannot get loose and slip out of your sight for any length of time. If anyone offers your pet a treat, politely decline. Don't let your pets roam around freely. This is best for their own safety. Pets that run freely through the neighborhood may tear up garbage or get into other material that may contain harmful items. A fenced in yard is preferable if possible. It is best to keep pets away from busy roads and high traffic areas. Unfortunately many pets that are allowed to roam free fall victim to speeding vehicles and other accidents.

Place "No Trespassing" and "Beware of Dog" signs on your property. Be sure that your pet wears a collar and tag so that he can be returned to you in the event he accidentally gets lost. Pets have rights too, and it's up to you to enforce them.