When animal abuse comes to mind, people often think of the animal being beaten, neglected, chained, or even used in dog fights. With these concepts in mind, it is easy to miss the subtle signs of animal cruelty at home. If you do not know what to look for, it will be hard to see these signs.
What makes domestic violence of animals worse is that it is difficult for cause-oriented groups or animal shelters to offer help.
Cause-oriented groups may give all the proceeds of selling animal hats to save endangered species. However, it is difficult for them to help animals chained in their owner’s homes.
This is why people within the community should also be vigilant to spot and report these cases of domestic animal violence.
Types of Animal Neglect and Abuse
Despite being a sensitive topic, domestic animal abuse is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Neglect and abuse can come in various forms like an unruly child unaware of how to handle his pet, or an owner, hitting his dog to relieve anger or stress.
More substantial kinds of abuse may include an intoxicated owner with a bad temper physically hurting his pet. Animal hoarders can also inadvertently abuse their pets since they have too many to take care.
Most of the victims of domestic violence report that their abuser also hurt their pets. Studies also reveal that 30% of kids who experience domestic violence will most likely harm animals.
How to Spot Animal Abuse
Not all neglect and abuse are evident. In the same vein, not all symptoms indicate abuse, especially by itself. Here are signs you should look for:
- Limping
- Fractures with unknown cause
- Flinching or tucking of tail
- Avoiding eye contact
- Excessive panting
- Ears back
- Crying or whining when approached
- Attempting to bite when approached
- Being overly submissive
- Change in fur texture or excessive fur loss
- Unusual anxiety when left by their owner
- Avoid physical contact (exceptionally accurate for a typically playful and affectionate pet)
- Attempts to scratch or nip when petted
These signs may be harder to find, so you should observe your pet more diligently. If you cannot keep your pet safe in your home because of abuse when you are away, seek help from friends or local animal shelters.
There are also cause-oriented groups who go out of their way to help these animals. These groups even sell goods like animal hats to save threatened animals. You can reach out to these organizations for help and support.
What can you do?
If your pet or somebody else’s pet manifests any of these red flags, contact a veterinarian right away. Veterinarians can help figure out if these signs are indeed indicative of abuse or injury.
If you suspect someone is abusing their pet, your reaction will depend on the circumstances. For example, if the abuser is a young child, help them understand how to take care or handle his pet. If an older child is hurting animals as a way of coping, speak to their parents, and encourage them to seek professional help for their kid.
Victims of domestic violence should not allow their abusers near their pets. They can send their pets to an animal shelter, or ask their trusted friends to take care of their pets for them.
