11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help

11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help

Animal cruelty is not only abhorrent in its own right, but it is often a gateway crime to violence against adults and children.

If you witness any act of abuse, neglect or cruelty against an animal it is your moral responsibility to report it to local law enforcement, or to whomever is responsible for cruelty investigations in your community.

In most cases you may do so anonymously if you fear reprisal. Doing nothing does nothing to help animals in need.

DO NOT ask us in the comments section what to do if you suspect cruelty or abuse. Contact your local police department and/or humane society even if you are unsure if what you observe qualifies as animal cruelty since laws vary by state and municipality. PLEASE STOP ASKING US WHAT TO DO; TAKE LEGAL ACTION!

The 11 signs of animal abuse, neglect or cruelty

11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help
1 – Poor body condition and noticeable trauma

The animal has severe matting and a filthy coat, open sores or obvious wounds. He appears to be flea or tick infested. He is underweight with bones visible clearly. He might be limping or unable to walk at all, or have congested eyes or ears. He is in obvious physical distress and in need of veterinary care.

2 – Lack of food or water

Every time you see this animal you notice that she has no obvious sources of food and/or water. She may be aggressive due to starvation and thirst, and perhaps very lethargic.

3 – Lack of shelter

The animal is contained in an area that is largely or fully exposed to inclement weather or constant sun. In many states, if an animal dies as a result of being left alone in a hot car the owner can be charged. See the laws in your state.

4 – Lack of sanitation

Feces and/or debris cover the animal’s living area.

5 – Abandoned

The animal is left in a house, yard, or other area that appears empty or devoid of normal human activity. Reports of companion animals abandoned and left to die inside vacant buildings are alarmingly common.

It is a crime in all 50 states to abandon an animal.

11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help

If you notice a neighbor has moved or has stopped visiting a residence where you know animal live, be extra vigilant. Some dogs bark and whine to express anxiety at being left alone. But a dog who is howling or barking for several hours is sending a signal that it is in need of immediate, life-saving care.

6 – The animal is tied or caged

She has little or no room to move, and/or is unable to stand or turn.

7 – Chains or padlocks around the animal’s neck

Be on the lookout for anything around an animal’s neck that may have become embedded and/or infected, including regular collars. A chained animal is an abused animal.

Chaining or tethering is illegal in many states.

8 – Signs of an animal being trained to or having been used to fight

This is especially common with bully breed dogs, and even roosters. You may see training implements, treadmills, spring poles, etc. More likely you will notice obvious signs of trauma, including scars, open wounds, infections, and even missing body parts, such as ears or tails.

9 – The animal’s behavior is abnormal

She may be very aggressive or severely shy, e.g., cowering, hiding, fear-biting, even with or especially with her owner.

10 – Too many animals living on one property

This can be a sign of animal hoarding, which makes the conditions no less cruel. An estimated 250,000 animals are hoarding victims each year.

11 – Overt acts of violence

An owner or any person who is being overtly violent against the animal, striking or throwing objects at him, or otherwise physically abusing him.

There is no violence against an animal that is justified. And a person who would abuse an animal in public or plain sight is likely doing far worse outside of view.

Download our flyer: 11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help
11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help

The worst thing you can do if you witness or suspect animal cruelty or neglect is nothing. Be that animal’s voice and get him out of his abusive situation immediately. If you have to make multiple reports, do it.

Four steps to help an animal who is a cruelty victim

Animal cruelty is illegal in every state and a felony most. If you make a report of alleged animal cruelty the responding agency is required to investigate.

If you see an animal in distress, do not assume that someone else will take care of the situation. Animals cannot speak for themselves; it is up to you to speak for them.

1 – Be prepared

Most municipalities have a local animal control department, or animal shelter or humane society that is responsible for cruelty investigations.

Do an online search to identify the agency in your area and program the number into your mobile phone. This way you are always prepared to report abuse.

2 – Speak up or call 911

If you witness overt violence against an animal or suspect it, speak up! If you do not feel safe intervening in a situation directly, call 911.

It is essential to contact law enforcement when violence is involved since it is likely part of an ongoing pattern that may include violence against people as well. If you are traveling or in a community that is not familiar to you, you can look up the local police department.

3 – Document the details

Tell the officer as many details of the situation as you can: location, date, time, description of the people and animals involved.

Video and photographic documentation, even on a mobile phone, can bolster a legal case. Provide names of others who may have witnessed the incident. Remain on the scene until authorities arrive if you can do so safely.

4 – Prepare to testify

While you may remain anonymous, the legal case will be much stronger if you are willing to identify yourself and testify to what you witnessed. A human witness is crucial for building a strong, prosecutable case.

Additional resources

DO NOT ask in the comments section what to do if you suspect cruelty or abuse. Contact your local police department and/or humane society even if you are unsure if what you observe qualifies as animal cruelty since laws vary by state and municipality.

408 Comments

  1. Sarah

    I need help as to whether to report my neighbour, he has a lovely looking dog altough it does seem a little on the thin side however when he is out walking the dog all he does is shout at it and aggressively yank its lead when the dog is just walking calmly along not even pulling on the lead, he seems very unapproachable and aggressive and I see him do this everytime he walks the dog, in addition to that the dog seems very scared it walks with its head down and tail between its legs worrying it might put a foot wrong, should I report this?

  2. Jennifer

    Okay. I have a friend with a family that has a young German Shepard dog. I’ve been there approximately 3-4 times. The 2nd visit I wanted to see the Max (the dog). He’s not ever allowed in the house. When stepping outside (before Oct 2015) I noticed an insanely large backyard. However, their were dog holes EVERYWHERE and the ground is only dirt. As soon as Max had seen me he rushed to me with HUGE amounts of excitement. There was a single dog toy, which I kept attempting to play fetch with him. He’s not trained because he continued to jump all over me and hump my leg. I stayed out there for as long as I could withstand because he was overwhelming me and doesn’t know the word no, stop, or nay. I was out there for no more than 10 mins. Bad news is that I did bring to the owners attention (my friend) that her dog is underweight and the fur is too rough for such a young dog. I could not see ribs but my family has owned a German Shepard before, so I am aware of what a good healthy dog should look like. That day I didn’t even like leaving the situation. I have a feeling that dog doesn’t get the love/play it needs and deserves. Just yesterday I went over again to see my friend and asked if I could give her dog a Yams daily dog treat (no preservatives, sugars because she and her family and my family happen to be big into herbs/spices and organic foods to help the body). I asked her 10 year old daughter to accompany me since the dog was in the garage. Even though yes it was warm in there (good because winter time in Illinois can freezing and last night it was 16 degrees) the dog has zero light in there and is in a kennel that is filled with dust, dog fur, and god knows what else. We had to go in with a flashlight. When I cautiously approached Maxes cage from the side he went stir mad dog crazy. Barking, growling and attacking the kennel to get it (or so it seemed). I continued to walk to the front and keep the light that the daughter was carrying down to the ground (to keep out of his eyes so he could see me). I don’t stick my hands in cages, so I placed my hand up against the cage again for him to sniff. His demeanor has definitely changed from the last time of me seeing him. While feeding him these treats that he ended up taking from me I questioned the daughter. Asked why kept in garage in this kennel, she said ” he’s too big to be in the house”. I asked, ” why is there not a light in here for Max to see” she replied, “there is a light (points to a light about 4 feet away from us on the ceiling; florescent LED that was flickering, to try to work and wasn’t) just doesn’t work all the time”. The only thing I felt good about at that moment was the whiteness of the dogs teeth. I don’t know how to go about this. I truly believe that if you have a animal to be a part of your family then you should treat it like the loving family that you are. Please help me know what to do here. I don’t want to lose a friend over this, but I will if I have too.

  3. unknown

    What do I do? A person has 3 dogs and keeps them locked up in the house for weeks at a time coming back only to change their clothes and leave! I’ve seen this person be vebaly abusive towards the dog’s Especially When dogs are seeking attention from anyone else but them!! I feel that there may be physical abuse on the horizon if not already! The inside of the house smells like an out house with feces every where! The house has no electricity and there had been black mold found throughout! How do I help? I’ve called everyone and nothing has been done!! If I hve to I’ll be a dps (dogs protection service) case worker!

  4. Annie

    I would so appreciate some advice. I am very unsure about whether I should do anything about this situation, as charging someone with animal cruelty is a very serious accusation. I moved into an apartment complex a few months ago, and every day as I’m walking to my building, I notice a large labrador always on the balcony. It is not a very large balcony, especially for such a large dog. I believe the owner puts the dog out when he leaves for the day, as well as at night but the hours are very long. Here, the weather can get very hot. And right now, it is very cold and pouring rain. I also have a balcony and see that it is cold, wet, and with many puddles. I can only imagine the state is the same. However, I can’t see whether there is food or a shelter, blankets, or a bed. I have only seen the dog out and roaming with the owner a few times and I didn’t notice any serious signs of neglect. What can I do here? Is there anything I should do? I feel terrible for the poor dog, as I would never let my own stay out on the balcony. The nights are cold now and it has been raining for a few days. However, I have no proof and am not constantly in view of the balcony. Words of advice appreciated!

  5. Mizu

    Since I’ve moves to this current house, i knew my neighbors have abused/abusing their dog. They keep their dogged locked on the side of their house, ONLY on the side of the houss and no where else. The poor thing is outside during 110+ heat in the summer and during th raining season. Just tonght we had thunder that literally shook the house to where items were getting knocked down and the poor dog was crying out of fear all night. The owners arent that approachable or nice in general, so how would i go on for reporting them?

  6. Renee

    I’m at a total loss. An acquaintance posted something on her Snapchat and I’m disgusted but confused. She has beautiful German Sheppard and as far as I’ve seen she has always taken great care of her. Until this morning. I saw her post a picture of her new boyfriend holding her dogs mouth shut with a cigarette in it and he’s lighting it. I’m baffled. As far as I’m concerned that’s abuse and I want to call someone but she’s moved so much I have no idea where she lives. The thing that keeps going through my head is if they’ve done something like this once isn’t there a possibility they will do it again? I saved the picture which to me means something needs to be done. Please! Someone! Anyone! What do I do? Who do I call? I’ve never been in this position before and am at a loss on how to handle it.

    • Billy mu

      You can call 911 or talk to your neigbors, ask anyone that might know where they moved and save all the pictures that they post that shows animal abuse

  7. Brianna

    I have a bichopoo, he is the love of my life and is a prince. A family had him before us and since we got him 6 years ago he has always been very over protective. When anyone runs by on walks or something he freaks out and I have to tell him no and I just lightly tap his nose. I would never EVER hit or intentionally hurt him. He is the best thing in the world! Today while walking him a woman ran by and he flipped out! I tightened the leash crouched down told him no and tapped his nose, then it was over and done with. Some relative often neighbor was at a stop sign about 50 ft away. She saw me do this and screamed at me out her care and said Never ever hit your dog. I was mortified! Out of all the people in the world someone told ME to not hit my dog! I WOULD NEVER HARM HIM HE IS MY WHOLE WORLD! This woman needs to understand all I was doing was trying to reassure the runner that he would not chase her! I feel so insulted! I’m only 15 and I’m really scared she will call 911 or something about it! I SWEAR I LOVE MY DOG AND I WAS JUST TRYING TO SAY YOU CANT JUST BARK AT RANDOM PEOPLE! I’m really scared and want this woman to understand that my dog means everything to me and for her to say that is so insulting and degrading. This woman needs to understand that a tap is not abuse. If anyone has any insight on what to do please tell me! Just understand I would never harm my dog!

    • exacty!

      That is not abuse! You are only 15 so I understand that you are really hurt and upset by this. Actually, you should be commended for how you handled the situation. You crouched down, tapped the nose of your dog to get attention and reprimand and in the process reassured your dog that everything is okay (which helps your dog trust you) and you reassured the woman that you have your dog under control. I APPLAUD you.

      You are more responsible with your dog at 15 than most 30+ year old adults that have dogs.

      As far as the woman yelling out the window at you, you handled quite well. Just continue how you are handling your dog. It is a very responsible way to handle him/her. When people make comments just tell them to move on you have it under control.

      • exacty!

        Also, the woman who yelled out of the car is a coward. She yelled out of a car at a child? *sarcasm* That was a real adult way to handle the situation *end sarcasm*

  8. Evelin

    I want to report the neighbors dog but im not sire if its considered neglect. Its an apartment building and the dogs are in the side of the apartments, which unfortunately is next to us. They only clean up maybe once a week of not every other week so it smells and on top of that they have fleas. I dont have any pets but now there are fleas in my home! My 3 year old is full of bites as well as myself. Is there anything i can do

    • exacty!

      Yes call the health department and report them for unhealthy living conditions. You will have better luck there as an individual than with animal services agencies. If the come out to check out the apartment for unhealthy conditions they will see what is going on and call in animal control and then animal control will have to do something about it.

  9. sarah

    We recently came back from a trip and we had our two dogs boarded. Our male dog came home happy and excited but our female came home very deffensive/aggressive. She would growl and didnt want to be touched at all. Shes been laying on the couch not wanting anything to do with her food or toys. This is very abnormal for her. Shes usually very playful and entergetic. But she is very dominant especially with other females. Do you think abuse happened to her when she was boarded because of the dominance?

    • Beth Zimmerman

      Sarah, we suggest that you take your dog to her regular veterinarian immediately. It’s not normal for a dog to refuse food, and her other behavior is clearly not her norm either. While abuse is a possibility, though unlikely, a more likely explanation is that she is ill.

      • deb

        I know I reported a severe abuse of a dog in my neighborhood. I call 911.I call animal cruelty hot line. I even e mailed to a local news

        I e mail all sight pertaining to animal abuse.I even called back and there has been no response. I even told them others have witnessed severe abuse.Nothing and no one came out.Shame on all of them

        These agency’s just like to post heartbreaking pictures for money but no action. I am so upset.I have tried but the agency that are supposed to help don’t

        • exacty!

          I agree 100% when you say these agencies like to post heartbreaking pictures to get money. I don’t know how many times I have seen dogs nearly hit by cars in our neighborhood. Call animal control and nothing happens because the animals are healthy and ‘cared for’. What about the safety of the animal? If a person has a pet, they are responsible to make sure that pet not only has food, water, vaccinations, etc. They are also responsible for the SAFETY of their pet. That is just as neglectful and dangerous to their pet as withholding food and water.

          From my experience, most animal control agencies are staffed with complete idiots and these animal cruelty COMPANIES are not much better off. All of them are just as cruel to animals as these pet abusers.

        • Michelle

          I totally understand and can relate to your frustration. I saw an emaciated pit bull and his poor ribs were popping out and it looked like he had a tumor. I reported it to the police and I also called San Luis Obispo County Animal Services and they asked me “Do you want to pick it up and bring it to the vet yourself?

  10. kyle macklin

    Animal cruelty i need help please!!!!!!!!!!!

    ——————————————————————————–

    I found someone on instagram and I don’t know how to report them to anywhere and I just don’t know what to do and I want help from you he is killing animals and their are multiple accounts and if you go look its B.U.T.T_v() in the parenthesis is were what the version would be because he has so many accounts please message me back what to do ASAP!!!!!!!!

    • Beth Zimmerman

      Kyle, you should immediately contact your local police and animal law enforcement with the Instagram usernames this person is using so that they can investigate.

  11. kim

    don’t give up on these animals

  12. Sandra

    I really need some advice. Even though I already know what to do but I am so sick to my stomach and afraid. I live next door to a man who lives alone. I’ve lived here for 3 years now. Another neigbhor friend of mine says he was married before and is divorced and has lived alone ever since. So this man is always alone. Every once in a while family comes over to see him or whatever. He’ll bring his kids over every looooong once in a while. Most of the time he’s just alone. He sits outside all the time or messes with things in his garage or doing something in his backyard. Well it seems like he doesn’t like cats. I have a habit of always feeding strays around the house. One day he asked my husband if the cats belonged to us. My husband told him no. The man turned and walked away. He doesn’t talk to us and we live directly next door to him. So there were a few times when we’d be washing the car or cleaning our garage and our dog would wander into his yard and come back with a cat leg or some cat body part or she’d even be eating on a dead cat in his yard so we had to start putting her on her lash and tying it up somewhere so that she could be out there with us during those times and we always just brushed those cats off as a cat that had been attacked by a stray dog or something. Strange that it was always in his back yard and the man has no dogs. Anyway, I always thought that it was very strange that the cat would be dead in his back yard for days and days with a horrible stench and as many times as he would go back there, he never did anything about the dead cat. Anyway, so this morning I was outside trying to scare away stray dogs who have been coming around lately because my dog is in preheat stages (though she’s inside the house). So for quite some time now, I mean weeks, I have seen this strange object on my neighbors wooden fence but never really paid any mind to it. This morning though, while chasing the dogs away, I decided to take a closer look at the object and oh my gosh. I thought I was going to vomit on the spot. I screamed out loud to which my husband came running outside to check on me and he looked closer and saw it also. It was a dead cat hanging on my neighbors wooden fence, The body was hanging on the back side of the fence, the neck was kind of slid between two wooden planks so that he head was hanging in the front of the fence and one of the cat’s legs was shoved frome the back of the fence, through a small hole so that it stuck out in the front of the fence just like the head. The cat has no eyes, just hollow holes like the eyes had been eaten out by ants or whatever. The fur was half there and half gone and there was a small stench the closer you get to it. It had to be placed there by someone on purpose. Who would do such a thing??? I’m sure my neighbor has to know about it. He goes back there all the time! And it’s been there for so long. He’s had to have seen it by now! I am now scared, disgusted, freaking out….all the above! I told my husband that I wanted to report it, to which he responded, “and then what?? Put a target on our backs??? This man is obviously crazy!” I have two dogs, three children, and I work from home so I am always alone with my youngest son who is not school age yet. My husband has a good point. What if this man tortures cats? What if it doesn’t stop there? How far will he go? What if he retaliates agains me and my family for reporting him?? I’m just so confused and disturbed and worried. Please share some thought of encouragement. What would you do? I mean seriously do, not just say but DO???

    • exacty!

      This guy sound truly demented and I can definitely see a concern of retaliation. If I were you, I would stop feeding the stray cats because that will bring them back and put their safety at risk if they come on to his property. What I would do, if I were you is to take them to the animal shelter since it seems like they don’t have a permanent residence.

  13. donnarae lyons

    I was staying with a friend for the past three days. My dog and cat stayed were also staying there. When I picked them up last night, I noticed ‘major’ changes in their behaviors and I’m embarrassed to say, but I believe my friend abused them in my absence! I’ve had them back with me for the last 12 hours and still aren’t acting right. What can I do? What should I do? I’m so heart broken for my babies!

  14. stacey tillery

    don’t abuse animals

  15. Christina

    My best friends parents have a small dog. He is always sick and they do treat him, but one time a few years ago I remember thath the mother hit him because He was trying to get on the bed, the dog fell and hurt his nail. Then my friend lied to her dad telling him the dog fell leaving out the part where her mother hit him. The dog cowers when the mother comes into the room as she is always yelling at him. She always calls him stupid. It really frustrates me. Would this also be considered animal cruelty?

    • Beth Zimmerman

      Christina, it certainly sounds like abuse, though might not rise to the level of cruelty. Regardless, the animal appears to be suffering in an environment of fear, which is very sad. Since you’re close with this family, have you suggested or are you in a position to offer to adopt the dog?

  16. Tiffany

    My neighbors have a pony. The ponies hair on his head and on his back are matted up. I dont reguarly see the owners feeding him. He stays in a backyard. Fenced in with no grass. It is all mudd. Also the harnis on his head and face do look like they are rubbing his skin. I often go out and feed him carrots. He gets aggressive. I am only a teenager and I told my parents about it and they noticed him too, but they didnt want to get any not nessary neighbor fued. I feel so bad. The people have so many animals. They have at least 10 ducks, 1 goat, 1 pony, 3 pigs, 5 rabbits, birds,a dog, and multiple cats. The dog has little hair on her. She is very skittish around people. They let her run into the high way. She has red patches all over her. She also looks like she has fleas but cant get close enough to see. I have to go to school with these kids so i dont want them to know who said something. Is there anything i can do so they dont?

    What should i do?

  17. Symone Jenai

    So im in 8th grade and im doing a project on animal neglect. this helped my fill the 2 more slides i needed to have. THANKS!! 🙂

  18. Kim

    A chained animal is an abused animal?!? I’m hoping I’m miss understanding that. Are you trying today if you tie an animal up your being cruel to it?? I take my house dog outside with me and put her on her lead line while I play basketball or whatever I’m doing. She loves being outside she’s in the shade with water and a towel to lay on I don’t think that’s cruel it’s a lot nicer then letting her run wild and either hurt one of our cats or run out into the road. It’s also better then using a shock collar which I think is cruel and sick and that’s not even on the list?!? The man a few doors down from us has a pitbull he has to keep on a thick chain but around here that is the law for a put even if there caged they have to be chained he got a fine for not having it tied up when it got out of its lot and bit someone. Same on the having too many animals a few weeks ago a family got warned bout having too many cats where I live I think they had 15 not sure what the limit here is…..but the cats where never mistreated and are all very beautiful and healthy. They just couldn’t afford to get there cats fixed. I just feel like IF you can take care of the animals you have there should be no law on it there’s to many homeless animals to not let people take them in. There’s no law on how many kids you can have so why should there be animals?!?? I just wanted to say something bout those to statements bc I wouldn’t want to see someone miss understand it and and report someone for no reason and make them lose there pets!

    • Jane

      A dog who is tied up outside every day, with little to no human contact, is very different from a socialized dog on a leash.

      A chained-up yard dog eventually develops behavioral problems. Its territory is tiny, so it will viciously protect it. It can’t get away from threats, like kids throwing rocks or loose neighborhood dogs (or, depending on where you live, coyotes, mountain lions, etc.), so it gets defensive. It lacks socialization, so everyone and everything is a ‘stranger’ and therefore a threat. A chained-up yard dog can only run to the end of its chain, and no farther, so it builds up frustrated, anxious energy that it cannot relieve. Everything that a dog loves and needs is just out of reach. A chained-up yard dog is not a beloved, welcome, healthy family pet – it’s a victim of human ignorance.

  19. virginia holmes

    Here in Ohio this happens. My neighbor in my old house on Luckey Rd has had dogs chained outside everey year and each one of them had died. I called humane Society to report animal abuse/neglect, and they say they can not do NOTHING because Ohio laws are not strict. As long as the animal has a sort of shelter there is not much that can be done. And this man still continue to have dogs, one or two different every year. I have moved a few miles away but I still drive by and I am still watching this neighbor. In my follow up to this case, the Animal Abuse investigator told me that she spoke to him over the phone and she thinks he is gentleman very concious of his dogs health, but I just see the dogs keep dying, he keeps having different dogs and the all look sooo neglected. I do not think she even went to the place to see the situation. I sent out photographs from different dates and my testimony, etc.

  20. Pets for Patriots

    Great point, Crystal. We absolutely agree that people should familiarize themselves with whatever agencies are responsible in their communities for animal control, enforcement and cruelty investigations.

  21. Crystal Swann Blackdeer

    Please remember that some animal groups are entirely volunteer, and may not have the resources to physically respond to reports of cruelty. We can, however, encourage appropriate response by those RESPONSIBLE for investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty. We can help with food, vet care, etc. but we are not available 24/7, have no vehicles, no shelter, no staff. We help as best we can, but are not a substitute for appropriate animal control/law enforcement services.

  22. Pets for Patriots

    Like any potential sign of abuse, witnesses need to use discretion in considering whether a piece of equipment is being used harmlessly versus for nefarious purposes.

  23. Kittydirt

    I want to know why treadmills & spring-poles are consideration for abuse? I have a pit mix and he works out with me. He runs on a treadmill while I use an elliptical trainer. I live in a northern climate so this is necessary with my active dog. While I don’t have a spring-pole I know my dog would love to play with one. So a responsible owner like myself would be considered suspicious for these things & I think that is just ridiculous.

    • Deborah D

      Treadmills are frequently seen in dog-fighting “training” sites.

      If you are training on a treadmill at home with your pit mix, it is not *likely* to be considered illegal.

      Depending on how strictly local state laws are written, I would think that it is unlikely the presence of the individual items would be considered abusive or neglectful.

    • james

      I Wouldn’t Worry About it. Most of the people on here are fanatics and think everything is abuse. I’ve seen some of the happiest dogs while training have a day or moments of cowering. I was explaining part of a training regimen we use with guide dogs and some lady started saying it was animal abuse because of how strict it was. Most people are idiots. There is a clear line on what abusing an animal is but there are quite a few that go overboard with it.

    • exacty!

      This is actually very creative. Never even thought of it. I will be using this idea myself. We have a German Shepherd and he is VERY active. It seems that he can never get enough exercise. We play fetch with him and are constantly running him around and he never seems to get tired so I feel he needs more exercise. This may do the trick on days when it is rainy or too cold to get outside.

  24. Terry Hilbert

    We have contacted our animal control about sick suffering dogs and they won’t come to help the animals so who do we contact now the people hide in the house and won’t open the door so who will come investigate the animal control that dont wanna do they’re job

    • Pets for Patriots

      Terry, contact your local law enforcement.

      • exacty!

        They won’t help. These agencies do NOT care about animals.

  25. Pets for Patriots

    Crissie: We suggest you immediately call your local animal control to report what you have witnessed; it does appear that this dog might be suffering abuse.

  26. Pets for Patriots

    Crissie: it’s difficult to know from your description if this dog is actually being abused. What is the animal’s demeanor? Does it appear fearful of its owner? It is aggressive around other animals or people? If you’re unsure about whether you can determine if this is an animal that is suffering, call your local animal control and explain the situation to them. They should be able to determine whether the situation warrants further investigation.

    • Crissie

      this animal walks around cowering from everything. it walks as far as the leash will let it away from its owner. i feel like this animal is afraid to look at its owner.

  27. Crissie

    What do i do if i see a person walking a dong with multiple heavy chains around its neck and a heavy harness on its back? It looks as though the animal is in good condition but those chains cant be good for it. I dont know where this person lives so how can i contact anyone with information? Can i even contact someone about it if there are really no physical signs of abuse? someone help me plz.

  28. Ron Lueth

    I’d like permission to repost your blog about the 11 signs of cruelity on the Pet Guardian Angels of America website at http://www.pgaa.com. The PGAA provides the information necessary to help people find the type of pet that matches their lifestyle and then to helps them to properly care for the pet; physically and emotionally. We also provide free assistance in pet rescue and adoption, and strongly support animal welfare actions.

    Thanks, Ron Lueth

  29. Fonda

    I have reported several times about our neighbors 2 horses and 1 dog… The sheriff has gone out there. And i have made a couple of reports to the Ellis county Texas spca… And as far as I know, and see, the situation still has’nt gotten any better!!!!!!!!! The neighbors are very seldom in the back yard!!!! The 2 horses are kept in a small shed like building, sometimes for days on end!!!!!! And i never ever see anyone paying attention to the dalmation!!!!!! But, i ca’nt see real good from my back porch…. But, i just know, call it a gut feeling, that those sweet animals are being neglected!!!!!! simple….. But, what can I do??? I have already done what everyone said I needed to do?????? I’m getting more worried as the days go by!!!!! =/

    • anu

      keep bugging the sheriff and dont give up !! YOU are their only hope, to these trusting animals !!

    • Linda

      Contact some rescue groups in your area. They are equipped to deal with the authorities and help the animal.

    • Catherine

      I’ll echo Anu’s and Linda’s comments. Also, despite your being justifiably upset over the lack of action, keep calm and firm when you speak with Law Enforcement. Your post was a few weeks ago, so I hope the situation has been addressed.

    • Robin

      call the mspca n report it! Don’t wait.

    • Cindi

      I had a similar situation in Indiana with a horse. local Humane Society doesn’t deal with horses-I ended up calling our state Board of Animal Health. They have field veterinarians who investigate and finally after several weeks, my situation was resolved! He even called me back to give me a report. Maybe Texas has a similar thing?

    • Vinchnza

      God bless all those sweeties!!!!

    • Giselle

      keep bugging the sherif! Animal abuse is NOT okay at all! You are doing the right thing, and the animals are depending on you!

  30. deb

    But the don’t come and check abuse out .they are all useless.I have tried everything.

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