Cruelty Case Reminds Us Abuse is Alive and Well

The pictures we saw appalled and enraged many. Photos of a dog’s mouth wrapped in electrical tape circulated the internet in 2015. A dog named Diamond was found by her previous owner with physical and emotional injuries, and the abuse led authorities to the dog’s then-owner. Charges were filed and the case was soon to come to court. However, according to a recent article by The Doggington Post, the man, 43-year-old William Leonard Dodson was sentence to 15 years in prison on unrelated charges. He may still receive additional time for the abuse afflicted on Caitlyn, who continues to recover in a foster home. Read the full article here: http://www.dogingtonpost.com/caitlyn-the-dogs-abuser-sentenced-to-15-years-prison-on-unrelated-charges/

April  is just around the corner, and with it, in addition to the rain showers that can bring May flowers, is the month to bring greater awareness to animal abuse. Known as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, many animal shelters and humane organizations use this month to educate and inform people that animal abuse is, sadly, still alive and well. Many such cases remind us of that sad fact.

For example, the dog fighting operations led by football great Michael Vick made significant headlines and shown a light on this dark, disgusting trade; a small terrier mix, later named Hazel Grace by her rescuers, was burned with a blow torch – the miracle survivor often acts as a poster child for abuse cases in the Midwest; in Utah, family’s beloved pet cat was tortured to death; and in my state of Wyoming, a dog with broken toes and other injuries was rescued by and received veterinary care by a Cheyenne animal welfare organization.

Experts contend that animal abuse often escalates to violence against people, including domestic violence, homicide, and mass murder.

According to the ASPCA, every 60 seconds an animal is abused. What can you do to help fight animal cruelty? Here are a few ways:

1. Don’t buy pets from a pet store. Many animals sold at stores come from puppy mills, which keep dogs, cats, and other companion animals in horrid, unsafe, and unhealthy conditions. Boycott buying – adopt instead.
2. Visit your local animal rescue or shelter to find your next furry friend. Adopt a homeless pet and save two lives: the one you adopt and the one waiting next in line.
3. Volunteer for your local rescue or shelter. Both types of animal welfare group need volunteers, from foster homes and transportation assistants to dog walkers and cat socializers. Help your community continue to help animals in need by volunteering your time.
4. Donate. Help combat animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment by donating to the rescue organization or purchasing needed supplies, such as pet food and household cleaners.
5. If you see an animal being abused or mistreated, report that incident to local authorities. The only way to truly prevent pain and suffering is to report the cruelty to law enforcement and/or animal welfare.

Read more about helping prevent cruelty to animals by visiting this website: https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/animal-abuse/

Many people stood up for and continue to stand up for Caitlyn. See the inspiring video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTvC1ntqCpI

Be a voice for the voiceless and be a hero to animals like Caitlyn. The more heroes and concerned citizens there are, the more we’ll stop such torture.

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