Animal abuse stretches beyond neglect
If you witness the abuse or neglect of animals, on whatever level, report it to the SPCA.
POLOKWANE – The abuse of animals often stretches beyond just the obvious neglect of an animal.
Jenny Venter, the owner of SAK9 Training Academy, spoke to Review about the various types of abuse as an animal might be abused without an owner even realising it.
Mental abuse:
• This includes teasing an animal, throwing objects at an animal, chaining the animal up, screaming at the animal and intimidating the animal. “Not a lot of people view these as abuse and it is important to educate them.”
• It is important to remember causing animal’s psychological harm, such as distress, torment or terror can also be considered a form of abuse.
Physical abuse:
• Hitting or beating an animal, kicking an animal, animal fighting, cruel handling, breeding and not taking the dog to the vet or provide proper care for a dog with broken bones, cuts or sores. This also includes the continuous presentation of cuts, sores or broken bones.
Nutritional abuse:
• When animals do not have access to fresh food and water, are not fed sufficiently or are fed foods that are not safe.
• An animal that is underweight or overweight is also being abused.
Health care abuse:
• Not caring for a sick animal, not providing tick and flea control and not deworming, micro-chipping or vaccinating can be considered as health care abuse.
“If you are ever aware of the above mentioned things happening to an animal, report the abuse to your local SPCA, shelter or rescue.
Dogs cannot talk and it is every person’s responsibility to speak for them. Even if you are not sure, but suspect that abuse may be taking place, rather report it. Reporting it can be done anonymously and make sure to follow up after reporting the incident.”
