Tag Archives: animal abuse

Animal Abuse Registry

Back when I was a teenager and hadn’t yet learned to stop watching pet cops shows for the sake of my stress levels, I remember learning an interesting, if obvious, fact. People who abuse (and this is direct physical abuse, not criminal neglect) their animals are much more likely to become violent against others, especially their family members. Now a county in New York State is taking that information to its next logical conclusion: Suffolk County, NY is launching a pet abuser registry. According to MSNBC, the purpose of the registry is to create a list of potential family abusers; … Continue reading →

Be Kind to Animals Week

This week is the Humane Society’s Be Kind to Animals Week, so for the next few articles I’m going to share details and tips on responsible pet ownership. Or in today’s case, acknowledge some great animal rights workers. When I first started writing the pet blog, my husband joked that I could create a monthly column entitled “Reasons Why Angela Isn’t Allowed to Watch Animal Planet.” He said that because, on occasion, I get worked up watching the channel. In particular, the show I should really never let myself watch is Animal Cops. There’s a smattering of these series now, … Continue reading →

The Case of Jane Dog

Jane Dog (as in Jane Doe, just canineized) is the name given to a dog here in Nashville who lost her life in a most violent way. A dog without a name and without any owners ever stepping forth to claim she had belonged to them. Her story infuriated all who heard it and made many speak up and want to make sure justice was delivered to those who harmed her. Jane Dog’s Story It happened last summer. June 2007 to be more precise. Five boys set a dog on fire. For fun. Just to see what would happen. What … Continue reading →

Shelters are Bad Enough, Deplorable in Tennessee

Not all Tennessee animal shelters are horrendous, but it seems there’s been way more bad than good lately. Case in point. (Three, actually.) Bad Shelter #1 The first time I heard a stir was last year. I forget which county the shelter was in, but wherever it was it had to be shut down for unsanitary conditions and poor treatment of the animals. I think lack of funding was a major contributor in that case. Bad Shelter #2 Then back in December the Sumner County Animal Shelter found itself in trouble. One of the local news stations, WSMV, conducted an … Continue reading →

Do You Know What Dogfighting Is?

Now that a high-profile sports star has been charged with dogfighting, the phenomenon is all over the news. But do you know what dogfighting is? Dogfighting is — as the name implies — a contest in which two dogs fight each other. The dogs are bred, conditioned, or trained to fight. The fights average an hour in length and can often last more than two hours; the fight is over when one of the dogs cannot or will not continue. During the fight, spectators can watch and bet on the outcome. Dogfighting is illegal in the United States and is … Continue reading →

Unchain The Fifty

I firmly believe that dogs are meant to be inside pets, and not outside pets. Dogs that live their lives outside on the end of a chain often lack veterinary care, adequate food and water, and shelter from the elements. Life on a chain can lead to severe infections and neck wounds from embedded collars. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a chained dog is nearly three times more likely to bite than an unchained dog. Dogs Deserve Better, a Pennsylvania education and rescue group, is trying to raise awareness about the dangers and cruelty of chaining. For … Continue reading →

Questions and Answers about Chaining

Are you dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals? Chaining or tethering is a common mistreatment of animals. What is chaining? In short, chaining or tethering is keeping an animal for months or years at the end of a chain. The dog is left outside in extreme temperatures and may not have access to adequate food, water, or shelter. Putting your dog in an outdoor run or on a lead for a few hours is NOT abuse if your dog is brought inside at night, given attention, food, and water, and gets regular veterinary care. If you need to leave your … Continue reading →

Eleven Ways To Help Stop Horse Slaughtering

The Humane Society of the United States would like to see an end to horse slaughter for human consumption. Congress seems to be in favor of this effort, but progress is slow in coming. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help. Write to your local and state government officials and ask them to support state and national efforts to ban horse slaughter. Write to your local and state government officials and ask them for stronger protections for slaughter-bound horses until horse slaughter is banned entirely. If you are a horse owner, don’t send your ill … Continue reading →

Animal Abuse: Horse Slaughtering

Although horse meat is not eaten in the United States, nearly a hundred thousand horses are slaughtered here annually for human consumption. After death, the flesh is processed and sent overseas to parts of Europe and Asia where horse meat is desirable. Horses of all ages and breeds may find themselves on the auction block and headed to the slaughter house, including: Unsuccessful race horses Sick or lame horses Surplus horses from riding schools and camps Mares who are not producing “valuable” foals Foals born as a result of the Pregnant Mare Urine industry, which produces the estrogen-replacement drug known … Continue reading →

Talking to the Owner of a Chained Dog

If you are concerned about a dog who lives his life on a chain, you aren’t helpless! There are lots of different things you can do to try to help. Keep a few things in mind: Be constructive, but not critical. Most people don’t react well to criticism. Try to educate the owner. It is possible to teach the owner how to treat his dog as a living, loving family member. Helping an abused animal a little bit is better than doing nothing. You may not be able to save the dog and find him a new home, but you … Continue reading →