(NAPSA)—We use kicking a dog as an example of the worst of human behavior—and with good reason. Animal cruelty harms the most defenseless creatures in our world. Examples of animal cruelty include overt abuse, dog fighting and cock fighting, neglect and denying pets necessities of care such as food, water or shelter. Animal welfare organizations work daily to educate people about how they can care for their pets and how they can prevent animal cru- elty. Here are some things you can do: Be aware. Without phone calls and reports from concerned citizens, humane organizations wouldn’t know about instances of animal abuse. most Learn to recognize animal cruelty. Signs include missing patches of hair, wounds on the body, extreme thinness or emacia- tion, limping and other signs of injury. Animals left alone without Report people who strike or oth- erwise physically abuse their pets. Provide as much information as you can. Write down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date and time of the incident and where it took place. Set a good example. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the respect, love and care they deserve—beyond just giving them adequate food, water and shelter. If you think your animal is sick, bring him or herto a vet- to a veterinarian and animals that cower in fear or act aggressively erinarian. Be responsible and have your pet spayed or neutered. Talk to your kids about treating animals with kindness and respect. One of the also be abuse victims. Know whom to ecall to report animal cruelty. The ASPCA Web site indicates whether to contact animal control or another municipal agency; in kindness in children early and nurture their development as the child grows. For more information on how food or water, animals that show signs of injury and are not taken when their owners approach may any case, the police department can direct you to the proper authorities. most powerful tools for preventing cruelty to animals is education. It’s importantto plant the seeds of to prevent animal cruelty or to find or support a shelter, go to www.aspca.org.
