Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

April is the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month. Supporters are urged to “Go Orange for Animals” throughout the month of April to raise awareness for the cause.

The ASPCA web site advises ways to recognize cruelty. Animal behavior alone cannot be used as an indication alone. Kristen Collins who’s part of the ASPCA’s Animal Behavior Center states, “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”

Some physical signs:
*Collar so tight it is embedded in the pet’s neck
*Open wounds left untreated or signs of multiple healed wounds
*Untreated skin conditions and patchy, bumpy, scaly skin
*Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
*Inability to walk or stand normally

Some environmental signs:
*Pets tied up outside without adequate food or water
*Pets kept outside without shelter in inclement weather conditions
*Surrounded by feces, garbage or objects that could harm them
*A cage that is too confining for the pet’s size

To read more about recognizing animal cruelty, please click here.