April is Cruelty to Animals Prevention Month

Since April is Cruelty to Animals Prevention Month, concerned animal lovers can get involved in the process of protecting our most vulnerable fur, finned and feathered companions. We can help this worthy cause by educating our children with what constitutes proper care of animals in and outside our homes. Additionally, as adults we can become educated and aware of what constitutes animal cruelty, and learn what actions we should take if animal cruelty is observed.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Relationships with animals greatly enrich our lives. They give us unconditional love and ask very little from us in return. But since they cannot speak up for themselves, they are often helpless victims of animal cruelty. Therefore, if we want our society to really be considered one that is humane, we need to stop this cruelty to those who are most vulnerable, our animals.

It is up to us as "educators" to teach our children the most appropriate way to handle animals and to respect them. Young children lack the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, and while they may not consider their behavior to be cruel, or purposely want to hurt an animal, often they are very rough with pets and can injure them seriously.

When children reach the ages of between four and six years old, they are able to begin grasping the concept of fairness. Teach children to be kind to animals because they "deserve it" and that animals can be hurt if handled roughly. Children under the age of six should never be left alone with a pet, unsupervised.

It is crucial with young children to be patient and careful about how one discusses animal cruelty with them, since it is important not to frighten them with graphic details about what constitutes animal cruelty. "Be kind" is the most important lesson they must learn. We can set examples of compassionate animal care as our children pick up clues by observing what we do.

Learning to Recognize Animal Cruelty

The most important things with which to become familiar are the signs of possible abuse, and how to take action if necessary and report incidents that are of concern. Keep your eyes and ears open for any suspicious animal behavior in your neighborhood. Become familiar with those pets that live in your neighborhood and monitor them.

Some of the signs of possible animal cruelty to be aware of are:

1. Observing an owner striking or physically abusing an animal. 2. Seeing an animal left unsupervised that is painfully thin or appears to be starving 3. Pets left alone, frequently chained for hours in a backyard without shelter, food or water. Dogs that constantly bark in a home which is not occupied often are neglected pets. 4. Pets who cower in fear when approached by their owners, or who react aggressively in their presence. 5. Pets who are permitted to roam free on the streets without human supervision are at risk of being struck by cars. Pets which have been injured but not taken to a vet may be abandoned or abused.

While it can be a tough decision to make, it is important to report suspected animal cruelty. In some parts of the country, local humane societies or county run animal law enforcement agencies have the power to investigate reports. In some areas contacting the police department is the only recourse. Learn more about what constitutes animal cruelty and how and where to report by visiting the ASPCA's website.

Included in this section is information about animals used for entertainment as well. While the disclosure "no animals were harmed during production" is displayed, sometimes disturbing segments are used in a film or advertisement, therefore this is an additional helpful resource. When reporting be accurate and describe the location and the details to the agency to which you have contacted.

Do you have any plans for observing "Animal Cruelty Prevention Month? Please leave a comment and share them with us.

For ideas on how to help, check out: 5 Simple Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty.