Caring for and loving all animals is something every person should do. After all, most pets are innocent and have no other intention than the desire to show affection and love. Yet, some people fail to understand what respect, care, and nurture are. Every year, thousands of animals suffer at the hands of abusive people in Atlanta, GA and across the U.S. Many people may feel apprehensive about reporting animal abuse or going against animal abusers. However, you can make a difference by reporting acts of animal cruelty. Our Atlanta, GA pet sitters from Critter Sitters invite you to keep reading as we explain how to report animal cruelty and abuse in Atlanta.
How Can I Report Animal Cruelty in Atlanta, GA?
For many people in Atlanta, GA, their pets are more than just four-legged animals; they are part of their family. However, many others have no care for the lives of innocent animals, subjecting them to abuse. In many other instances, unscrupulous people abuse animals in order to get a profit. This is the case for places like puppy mills, where neglectful, careless, negligent, and abusive people farm puppies to sell them to many pet stores around their county, city, or state.
If you have witnessed how some people abuse animals, you may wonder whether there is something you can do to stop this conduct. Fortunately, you can report abuse and help ensure these animals’ safety. One of the most effective ways to report animal cruelty or abuse in Atlanta, GA is by calling your local animal control agency. If you don’t have their number or are not familiar with how this process works, you can also dial 9-1-1 and report the abuse.
However, what happens if your area has no animal control agencies or the authorities don’t handle these cases? Fortunately, you can reach out to programs that work both state and nation-wide.
The Humane Society is an example of an entity dedicated to animal welfare. In these situations, the worst thing to do is to remain silent. No matter how shocking the situation can be, one call or report can make a world of a difference in abused animals’ lives.
Identifying Common Types of Animal Cruelty in Atlanta, GA
Pets and animals are innocent creatures deserving of our love, care, and respect. However, not everyone thinks the same way. Every day, thousands of innocent animals suffer as a result of abuse and cruelty. Some of the most horrendous types of abuse and cruelty in Atlanta, GA, include the following:
Neglect
Neglect is one of the most common types of animal cruelty. Neglect refers to a form of abuse where a caregiver fails to provide the care required or needed. There have been thousands of cases where a person fails to provide primary care to animals under their “protection.” There are many different types of actions that can be considered neglect.
For example, hoarding hundreds of animals, the lack of shelter, and tethering are all forms of neglect. We have seen countless cases where animals have been left chained to a post outside during chilling winters or under the sun without proper shelter or water. If you have seen this kind of abuse, it is essential to act quickly and report it to the authorities.
Physical Abuse
Watching someone beating or hitting an innocent animal can be one of the most upsetting things you can experience. However, physical abuse doesn’t necessarily entail a person hitting an innocent animal. There are instances where pitting two dogs against each other in underground or illegal fights can also be considered physical abuse. Reporting these activities is crucial to saving an innocent animal’s life. Sometimes, abuse against an innocent animal can be part of a much larger problem that should be assessed by the pertinent authorities. Make sure to make a timely report to ensure no animal suffers or dies from physical abuse.
Abandonment
Abandonment is perhaps one of the most recurrent forms of abuse in Atlanta and the rest of the country. Some negligent, careless, and reckless people don’t want their pets anymore and abandon them on the road or leave them to die tied to a post. Many people are not sure how to react if they see this kind of abuse. The most important thing to do is to report animal abuse to the local authorities, even if you don’t know how the animal’s owner is.
These are just some examples of animal cruelty in Atlanta, GA. While this is not a comprehensive, detailed list of the kinds of abuse many animals are subjected to every day, it served the purpose of showing the magnitude of the problem.
Are There Criminal Penalties Associated with Animal Cruelty in Atlanta, GA?
Yes, there are criminal consequences for those who are caught and found guilty of animal cruelty or abuse in Atlanta. For instance, if a person is found guilty of maliciously causing an animal’s death, they can face what is known as a felony charge. Under Georgia law, a felony can lead to prison time and thousands of dollars in criminal fines. Despite stringent laws punishing bad actors, thousands of people are abusing and acting cruelly against innocent animals in Atlanta and the rest of the country.
It is up to pet and animal enthusiasts to voice their concerns, fight for animal rights, and push animal abusers into the public eye. We cannot stress enough how essential it is to report animal cruelty to prevent these tragic events from happening.
Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Company Serving Atlanta, GA
At Critter Sitters, we understand how precious and special your pets are to you. We are pet moms and dads ourselves! That is why we need to relay the message and let you know the different avenues you can pursue to protect animals from negligent people’s cruelty. As an experienced pet sitting company with decades of hands-on pet sitting work, we care about your pet’s well-being. We can provide you with excellent services such as walking your dog in Brunswick, overnight pet sitting in Cobb County, and much more. Call our offices today and let us know how we can help you. Our phone number is (404) 793-6178.
