Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

There are many reasons to celebrate the month of April, but none more important than the great strides made in the prevention of animal cruelty and neglect. April is officially the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. As a perfect compliment, April 11th is National Pet Day, established several years ago to help bring an end to the overpopulation of unwanted pets in the United States.

The ASPCA has been fighting animal cruelty in the United States since 1866. In our great state of Texas, animal cruelty, abuse and neglect are felonies. Dallas Animal Services enforces state statutes as well as city laws prohibiting animal abuse and abandonment.

What You Can Do

If you suspect animal neglect, please report it to 3-1-1 and if you witness animal cruelty, call 9-1-1. Please take part in this month-long celebration of the victories in the fight against animal cruelty and make sure to extend your efforts year-round. How are you going to help spread the word that animals deserve love and respect?

We have five suggestions on ways you can help.

1. Set a good example by adopting your next pet from a shelter, having all of your pets spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and teaching your dogs how to be Canine Good Citizens.

2. Become acquainted with your local animal services organizations before you may need them. In an emergency, you won’t want to waste any time trying to figure out who to contact.

3. Support your local humane society through donations of money, supplies or your time. Your local shelter would probably love to have you as a volunteer! Brighten the lives of shelter animals who haven’t found their forever homes yet by walking, playing, grooming or cuddling them.

4. Teach your children to love and respect animals. A volunteer job working with animals not only helps the animals but will also help your child develop into a better citizen and possibly guide their future career choice! Educate them on what Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month really means and how to detect and prevent abuse.

5. Be a guardian angel for the helpless animals you meet. Besides active abuse such as someone beating or torturing an animal, watch out for animals which are being neglected. These may include animals left chained outside without proper shelter; animals with filthy, matted coats; emaciated animals or animals left in vehicles in hot weather. Shade and adequate water are particularly important during our hot Texas summers.

These are just a few of the ways you can help spread the word to end animal cruelty. Contact us for all of your animal care needs and don’t forget to give extra snuggles on April 11th for National Pet Day!

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