PREVENTING ANIMAL CRUELTY By Mary M Hatfield LVMT

PREVENTING ANIMAL CRUELTY By Mary M. Hatfield, LVMT, M. Ed, LAT For C. A. I. T.

WHAT IS ANIMAL ABUSE? l l l Cruelty occurs any time an animal is made to suffer or feel needless pain, whether the person did it intentionally or through neglect. INTENTIONAL: A person intends to hurt an animal, often times, maliciously, and results in severe physical injury or death NEGLECT: An animal suffers because he is not given the necessities of life.

INTENTIONAL ANIMAL ABUSE l l People who intentionally abuse animals often try to hide what they are doing. Examples of this type of abuse are : cockfighting and dog fighting

NEGLECT: Person fails to provide l l l Food and water Shelter Veterinary care Hoarders- people who keep too many pets in their house or apartment. They do not keep environment clean

TENNESSEE STATE LAW-definition of animal cruelty is, any person who: l l l Commits an offense intentionally and knowingly tortures, maims or grossly overworks an animal. Fails to provide necessary food, water or shelter for an animal in that person’s custody. Abandons an animal in that person’s custody Transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner Inflicts injuries or pain, by any method, including blistering compounds to the legs or hooves of horses in order to make them sore for any purpose including, but not limited to, competition in horse shows and similar events.

SPECIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE LAWS l TCA 39 -14 -203 Cock and Animal Fighting – Definition- It is unlawful to own, possess, keep use or train any bull, bear, dog, cock or other animal for the purpose of fighting, baiting or injuring another such animal, for amusement, sport or gain – PENALTY- CLASS A MISDEMEANOR – CLASS E FELONY IF ANY ANIMAL OTHER THAN A COCK – CLASS C MISDEMEANOR- for knowing spectator or such events NOTE: It is not an offense to own, possess or keep cock for the purpose of selling or transporting cocks to a location in which possession or keeping of such cock is legal

SPECIFIC LAWS l l l TCA 39 -14 -204 It is unlawful to sell, give away, or possess baby ducks, chickens, or rabbits that have been dyed. Class C misdemeanor TCA 39 -14 -205 Intentional killing of an animal. It is unlawful to kill the animal of another with intent to deprive the owner of the right to the animal’s life without owners consent.

TCA 39 -14 -205 l l Justification for killing another person’s animal if there is a reasonable belief that the animal was creating an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to people or to animals owned by that person A person is not justified in killing an animal while trespassing on the property of the owner of the animal.

TCA 39 -14 -211 LIVESTOCK ABUSE l No person should enter property, arrest or confiscate livestock (equine or other animals used for human utilization or consumption), unless prior to or at the same time of action, the livestock in question is examined by the county extension agent of that county.

LIVESTOCK ABUSE l If the extension agent does not have probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred with regard to livestock. If the extension agent does not make an inspection within 24 hours of receipt of complaint, then a licensed veterinarian may perform inspection.

Pedro, the abandoned dog l l l This dog was abandoned by his owners at an apartment building. He waited by his owner’s door, patiently waiting for them to return for 3 months. Neighbors fed him and took him to the local animal shelter. He had heartworms and had to be euthanized. It is illegal to abandon animals and it is definitely inhumane.

Hoarders, a community problem l l This is the home of an animal hoarder. She was mentally ill and had been placed in a nursing home. Family members asked the local animal welfare group to find the dogs homes. The condition of this home was deplorable. There were dead puppies laying on the floor with inches of feces.

Hoarder (continued) l l There were 15 Chihuahuas in all. Because they were small breed dogs it was easier to find foster homes for them. They all survived. This woman really loved these animals and felt she offered the best home for them.

Hoarder (continued) l l The family was unaware of the severity of the situation until the woman had left the home. They were appalled by the conditions she was living in. It is important to report hoarding situations because it is cruelty to the animals and the humans, who need help.

TCA 39 -14 -212 AGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS l A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals when, with aggravated cruelty and with no justifiable purpose, such person intentionally kills or causes serious physical injury to a companion animal.

TCA 39 -14 -212 AGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS l Aggravated cruelty means conduct which is done or carried out in a depraved and sadistic manner and which tortures or maims an animal.

Hope was story of Hope, a found chained aggravated abuse l l to a telephone pole with no food or water, near death. Her owner had 7 bags of dog food in his house but chose to starve her. The neighbors were persistent in reporting the abuse even though they had been threatened. Had they not cared, Hope would have died.

Neglected Horses l l Residents on this road reported that these horses were very thin. The county extension agent checked them out and found that they had adequate grass and fresh water. He consulted with the owners and recommended they worm the horses. He gave them some educational materials on horse care. The horses now are healthy. All that was necessary was education.

PREVENTING ANIMAL CRUELTY= EDUCATION l l l Education is a very powerful tool for preventing animal cruelty Teach children about kindness to animals by setting an example. As with child abuse, animal abuse is learned by example.

For more information, please contact CAIT www. vet. utk. edu/cait@utk. edu 865 -755 -2276