- Tick or flea infestations
- Wounds on the body
- Patches of missing hair
- Extremely thin, starving animal
- Limping
- An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
- Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard
- Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—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
As horrible as the thought of 856 cases of animal abuse sounds, these are only the reported cases, and sadly there are many more cases of animal cruelty that go unreported every year. Everyone needs to do their part for the animals in their community by recognizing the warning signs of abuse and neglect, as given above, and reporting these animals and their owners to the authorities. Since animals cannot speak up for themselves, it is our job to advocate for them. Find out more about how to report suspected animal cruelty and become more involved in the animal rights movement by visiting the ASPCA's website at http://www.aspca.org/ today!
