9/29/2014 Top 10 Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty | ASPCA

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As an ASPCA supporter you are probably
familiar with our dedicated Agents and the work
they do to save the lives of animals across the
country. But did you know that you, too, can
help crack down on animal cruelty in your
community? Read on for simple actions you can
take to make the world a safer place for
animals.
Here are some other signs and symptoms that
we see in many of the cases we investigate:
Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if
left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to
an animal's death.
Wounds on the body.
Patches of missing hair.
Extremely thin, starving animals.
Limping.
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard.
Dogs who have been hit by cars-or are showing any of the signs listed above-and have not been
taken to a veterinarian.
Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.
1. Know who to call to report animal cruelty. Every state and every town are different. In some
areas, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal cruelty; in others, you
may have to contact local animal control or another municipal agency. If you aren't sure where to
report cruelty, please visit our Report Animal Cruelty (/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty) section.

2. Get to know and look out for the animals in your neighborhood. By being aware, you're more
likely to notice, for example, that the dog next door who was once hefty has lost weight rapidlya
possible indicator of abuse.

3. Make the call. Without phone calls from concerned citizens who report cruelty in their
neighborhoods, we wouldn't know about most instances of animal abuse. It all comes from the public,
it all starts with YOUthat's why it's so important to keep your eyes and ears open.

4. Provide as much as information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. The details that
you provide can go a long way toward assisting an investigating officer. It helps to write down the
type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident and where it took place.

5. Contact your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating animal
cruelty should be a priority. Animal cruelty is a CRIMEand the police MUST investigate these crimes.

6. Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels by joining
the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade (/form/advocacy-brigade?ms=wb_con_10wayspreventcruelty-link-
201307&initialms=wb_con_10wayspreventcruelty-link-201307) . With stronger laws come tougher penalties. As
an ASPCA Advocacy Brigade member, you'll receive emails asking you to write letters encouraging
your legislators to pass these lawsand you can send them directly from our website.

7. Set a good example for others. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good
care they deserve. But it's more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal
is sick, bring him to the veterinarian. Be responsible and have your animals spayed or neutered. And
give your pets lots of hugs!

8. Talk to your kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect. We regularly see
children in homes where animal abuse has been reported. If a parent isn't treating the family's pets
right, we tell the kids that their dog or cat would really appreciate fresh water every day or some
daily playtime. If the animal has been left outside without shelter, we'll say, 'You have a nice house,
and if you get cold, you can put a coat on. But your dog can't do that.' Children understand that
animals are living creatures who have the ability to feel pain, joy and sadness.

9. Support your local shelter or animal rescue organization. It's a great way to make a difference.
Some of our ASPCA volunteers foster animals who have been abused in their former homes, giving
these dogs and cats the chance they deserve to have a good life. You can find a list of shelters and
rescue groups in your area in our National Shelter Directory (/adopt/shelters) .

10. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program. Get to know the animals in your neighborhood and invite
your friends and neighbors to do the same. Together you can keep an eye out for any suspicious
Top 10 Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty
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9/29/2014 Top 10 Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty | ASPCA
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Related Links
How to Recognize Cruelty (https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-
cruelty/how-recognize-cruelty)
Learn how to spot cruelty so you can take action.
Report Animal Cruelty FAQ (https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-
cruelty/report-animal-cruelty-faq)
This FAQ will provide you with all the information you need to recognize and report animal cruelty in your
area. Learn more about animal cruelty laws in your state, as well as strategies for parents and teachers
for teaching your children or students about this important issue.
Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty (https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-
animal-cruelty/domestic-violence-and-animal-cruelty)
A strong connection has been found between domestic violence and animal abuse. Learn more here
about studies that have found linkages between physical abuse of women and children and violence
toward pets and livestock.
Top 10 Ways to Prevent Malicious Poisoning (https://www.aspca.org/fight-
cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/top-10-ways-to-prevent-malicious-poisoning)
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives many calls from pet parents whose animals
have been maliciously poisonedsometimes right in their own backyards. Read these tips for protecting
your pets from this type of cruel act.
Top 10 Tips for Reporting Animal Cruelty (https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-
animal-cruelty/top-10-tips-reporting-animal-cruelty)
If you suspect animal cruelty is occurring in your neighborhood, read these tips and learn how best to
document, report and follow up on the cruelty situation with local law enforcement officials.
behaviorsabuse and neglect of companion animals, the mistreatment of local wildlife, dogs left in
hot cars and other signs of abuse (/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/how-recognize-cruelty) .
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