We hear that a lot when people see those of our dogs who are somewhat shy or skittish about being touched by strangers. The truth is, those behaviors are not necessarily a good indicator of how an animal was treated prior to coming into our care. Some dogs are shy or fearful of new people simply because they were unsocialized in their prior home and are therefore timid of new experiences outside their own comfort zone.
The ASPCA published a very interesting article about how you can detect animal abuse. Here it is, in part, quoted below with the link to their website for further information about what you can personally do if you see an abuse situation.
"Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused
Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Obvious behaviors such as aggression, timidity and fear don’t always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse....
Check out our list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help:
Physical Signs
Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
Environmental Signs
Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals..."
The key here is that if you see suspected animal cruelty, you want to alert the proper authorities to ensure that any animals in such a situation can be saved. This can be done by making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area (this can be done anonymously). You will not only save an animal's life, you will be helping to take these perpetrators off the streets and prevent future harm to other animals.
Check out the ASPCA's website for more details on this and other relevant subjects.
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/how-to-recognize-cruelty.html
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