Cruelty on Animals- When Will The Society Change?

According to oxford dictionary, cruelty means “a behavior that causes pain or suffering to others, especially deliberately”. Animal cruelty means the infliction of pain or suffering, or harm upon animals for purposes other than self-defense. In more narrow term, it can be harm of animals for gain, such as killing animals for their fur or for food.

Now, animal cruelty has become a global problem. Many people think that the worst cases of animal cruelty occur far from their home, but it is simply not always true. If we see around our home or vicinity, we can see many dogs starving to death or roaming home-to-home for the food and many cows, buffaloes or similar animals walking in the middle of road for the search of food. You can also see many people pester dogs and other animals just for their entertainment.

In addition, most of us also witness organized animal fights, dogs living their entire lives chained outdoors and overwhelming feral cat populations. Animals are also left in unsanitary conditions with no water or food; they have little or no hope as they survive without the sympathy they deserve. In addition, animals are killed for religious or entertainment purposes. All these acts are called Animal Cruelty.

We have to understand that it is not only up to the legal system or government of any country to ensure the safety of animals. We also have to be educated and aware of the animal cruelty. There are a plenty of things that citizens can also do. First, let’s understand some signs and symptoms that are seen in many cases of the animal cruelty:

• Flea or tick infestation.If left untreated by a vet, these conditions can lead to an animal’s death
• Wounds on the body
• Patches of missing hair
• Extremely thin, starving animals
• Limping
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Dogs that are repeatedly left alone without water and food, often chained up in a yard
• Dogs that have been hit by the vehicles or are showing any of the signs listed above and have not been taken to the vet
• Dogs that are kept outside without shelter in the extreme weather conditions
• Animals that cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

Here are simple actions that every individual can take to make the world a safer place for the animals:

1. Know where to report animal cruelty– The laws and rules related to animal cruelty is different in different countries. In some countries, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal abuse; while in others, you may have to contact the local animal control or another municipal agency.

2. Know and look out for the animals in your vicinity- If you are aware of or see any animal which shows signs of cruelty, you should immediately help those animals or contact the concerned department. I am sure, after doing this you will feel happy!

3. Make the call– Your local authority would not know about most instances of animal cruelty without phone calls from the concerned citizens. It all comes from the public; therefore, it is so important to keep your ears and eyes open.

4. Set a good example for others– If you own pets, always show them the good care and love they deserve. The care should be more than just water, food, and adequate shelter. If you feel that your pet is sick, bring him/her to the vet. Be responsible and have your pets neutered. Further, talk to your kids about how to treat pets with proper respect and kindness. It is regularly seen that in many cases children in homes are responsible the animal abuse.

5. Support your animal rescue organization– It is definitely a great way to make a difference. Some organizations foster animals which have been abused in their former homes by giving these pets the chance they deserve to have a good life.