|
|
|
Abuse to animals is a horrible crime that ultimately touches us all, both as a society and as individuals. It is a documented fact that many serial killers began their life of violent crime by abusing animals.
|
|
|
|
Several years ago I worked at a boys' ranch for troubled boys. As I transcribed assessments, I was struck by the fact that in every one of the hard cases, there were references to the boys having abused, mutilated and/or killed their pet hamsters, rabbits, fish, cats and dogs. Many times they did the same to a friend's or neighbor's pet also.
|
|
|
|
|
The evidence is in - it can no longer be denied: There is a connection between animal abuse and violent acts against humans such as domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse and murder.
If we are ever going to see an end to the escalating violence in our society, we must begin by teaching our children to respect all life. We must also actively support proposed legislation that treats animal abuse as the serious crime that it is.
One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it.
~ Anthropologist Margaret Mead ~
|
|
|
Animal abuse comes in many forms - from senseless acts of neglect and intentional harm, to the unspeakable treatments lab animals endure in the name of science and research, to the ghastly treatment received by animals on food farms.
If mankind is to improve, we must all take our role of guardian of the animals seriously.
We must be the voice for the voiceless.
|
|
|
|
I care not for a man's religion
whose dog and cat are not the better for it.
~ Abraham Lincoln ~
|
|
"Little Shelter is a nonprofit animal rescue organization staffed mainly by volunteers. We take abused and abandoned animals from the streets and from those awaiting death at the municipal pounds. We provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for these animals while they are waiting for loving adoptive homes.
All prospective homes are carefully screened to ensure happy endings. No animal is ever destroyed at Little Shelter unless he or she is incurably ill."
|
|
|
Far, far too many precious animals end up at pounds and shelters after Christmas and other holidays because the receiver wasn't prepared for the commitment that it takes to be a responsible pet owner. Please, before giving a pet as a gift, take a minute to read this:
Responsible Pet Giving During the Holidays.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Over the last 25 years, many studies in psychology, sociology and criminology have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized this connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had, as children, killed or tortured animals."
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) began their First Strike™ Campaign in 1997. It is dedicated to educating the public about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence. They have held numerous workshops around the country to help stop violence to all living things. In addition, the First Strike campaign continues to monitor cases of animal cruelty across the country and press for the passage of well enforced, felony-level anticruelty laws.
|
|
If you have been concerned about the horrible Bonsai Kitten site, please click on the following links for updates on what is happening and what not to do:
Animal Protection Institute's Report on Bonsai
________________________
|
|
Please read about this tragic story of another senseless act of violence in which a cat was set on fire and killed by two young boys. PLEASE if you are a parent, teach your children to respect ALL life!! Each and every life is precious whether it is human or is not!!!
In the fourth week of October, 2000, Caesar, an English Bulldog and family pet of 8 years, was gunned down in his own yard in Cheatham County, Tennesse by a police officer who decided that Caesar must be killed because a neighbor reportedly felt threatened by the animal. Please click on Caesar's plaque to read his story and find out what you can do to help stop this from happening again.
Read about Alpine (the Ware Cat) ~ an innocent, defenseless cat ~ who was deliberately doused with nail polish remover and then deliberately set on fire by two teenagers. Paws of Granby is caring for poor little Alpine through their
emergency medical fund. The kind of abuse that Alpine received is much too common and must stop. We must all work together to put an end to stories like Alpine's.
Update: Alpine suffered a great deal through his many surgeries and recovery. His Christmas picture above was happy news indeed. He looks quite fit and content, thanks to the around-the-clock care he received from his caregivers. Alpine's torturer was found and is behind bars awaiting trial.
To read an account of what happened to Max from his perspective Click Here.
________________________
It breaks my heart to post yet another case where a defenseless cat was set on fire in Westminister, Colorado. In this case, the two teenage boys accused of setting Westy on fire are charged with only misdemeanor animal cruelty. If they are convicted, their only punishment would be a $400 fine and mandatory anger management.
The outcry from this case has caused "Westy's Law" to be authored. If passed, "Westy's Law" would raise the animal cruelty offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. Visit this news site for updates, videos and slideshows.
Westy is being cared for at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. Click here for pictures and daily updates on Westy's current condition. Westy had his ears, his left hind leg and part of his tail amputated to reduce the risk of infection from his third degree burns, but this brave little cat continues to improve.
________________________
One of the most heart wrenching stories I have ever heard is about Angel, an innocent kitten who was horribly abused by some young boys. Pasado's took Angel in, gave her immediate and long-term veterinary care and love. Pasado's Safe Haven is a no-kill animal rescue and rehabilitation organization located on a 50-acre sanctuary one hour northeast of Seattle, Washington. Pasado's has saved countless unwanted, abandoned and abused animals' lives. Read about Angel and many other animals who are being helped by Pasado's Safe Haven.
________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
