Sadly one of the most common forms of abuse we see is owners who purposely starve their dogs to death or very close. In just this month alone we have had quite a few rescues that broke our hearts. I am writing about this because I consider awareness of what is going on in our city is the first step towards ending this cruelty.
Sadly one of the most common forms of abuse we see is owners who purposely starve their dogs to death or very close. In just this month alone we have had quite a few rescues that broke our hearts. I am writing about this because I consider awareness of what is going on in our city is the first step towards ending this cruelty.
Dogs that starve to death experience a myriad of painful symptoms throughout each stage of their physical deterioration. An initial loss of body fat is followed by muscle loss and atrophy and, ultimately, organ failure. In long-term starvation, degeneration of the liver, cardiac changes, anemia, and skin lesions may develop.
An animal without proper shelter can also quickly succumb to extreme heat or cold. During extremely cold spells or hot periods, it is not uncommon for us to find companion animals-often chained dogs-literally frozen to the ground or dead from heat prostration because of lack of proper shelter from the elements. Often these animals perish only feet away from the homes in which their caretakers live.
Luckily, the dogs highlighted here are healing through the love and care of Stray Rescue and with the help of our supporters. Most of these cases are currently being prosecuted as well. It is time to take a stand and be brave enough to report your neighbors if they are starving their dogs. It is the community that can make the biggest difference. The hotline number is 314.771.6121 ext: 255
Just a few days ago a neighbor did call and what I personally saw broke my heart. It baffled me why the other neighbor didn’t ever say a word. I asked her and she said it was out of fear. I say replace fear with love and do the right thing before it is too late and you have to add guilt for being silent to your array of emotions you are experiencing living next door to an animal abuser. Don’t accept their criminal behavior!
Let’s stand as a community with a zero tolerance attitude against animal abuse. Together we all can make a different for these poor souls.