Apr 13, 2005
April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month.
Cruelty Puppy Gets New Home!
Lee County Animal Services Offers Tips on Reporting Abuse
Media Contact:
Ria Brown
(239) 432-2090 ext. 241
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Fort Myers, FL) April 13, 2005 - On March 31, 2005, Lee County Animal Services dispatched an officer to pick up an injured puppy. What the officer found was no accidental injury but an obvious attempt to crop the puppy's ears at home. Legally, ear cropping is a procedure that can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. The amateur attempt is a third degree felony and an investigation is still underway in the case.
The puppy, however, has found a new home! He has been officially adopted by the Animal Control Officer who rescued him. This story has a happy ending but many more do not. Examples of animal cruelty include overt abuse, dog fighting and cock fighting, and companion animals being neglected or denied necessities of care, such as food, water, or shelter.
April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. In honor of this month, Lee County Animal Services and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) are offering tips on how to identify animal cruelty in hopes of preventing or prosecuting cases such as this one.
1. Be aware. Without phone calls from concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhoods, Animal Services would not know about most instances of animal abuse. To report animal abuse in Lee County call Animal Services at (239) 432-2083.
2. Learn to recognize animal cruelty. The following are some signs:
* Wounds on the body; patches of missing hair; extremely thin, starving animals; limping, etc.
* An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
* Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard.
* Dogs who have been hit by cars-or are showing any of the signs listed above-and have not been taken to a veterinarian.
*Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
*Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.
3. Provide as much information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. It helps to write down the type of cruelty witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident, and where it took place.
4. Know your state and county animal cruelty laws. Lee County Ordinance 98-10 is available online at www.LeeLostPets.com.
5. Set a good example for others. If you have pets, always give them the good care they deserve. It's more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal is sick, bring him to the veterinarian. Be responsible and have your animals spayed or neutered.
6. Teach children how to treat animals with kindness and respect. One of the most powerful tools for preventing cruelty to animals is education.
7. Support your local shelter. Lee County's Animal Care Trust Fund is a great way to do this. The Animal Care Trust Fund was established in 2002 to assist homeless, abused and neglected animals. The fund provides for affordable spay/neuter, care, education, direct assistance and other programs to improve animal care and welfare in Lee County. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to: Animal Care Trust Fund, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Call (239) 432-2083 for more information.