Investigating Animal Cruelty 21 without necessary veterinary attention to a medical problem or is abandoned altogether. • After a contentious divorce or break-up, one side tries to hurt the other by not caring for the animals left behind. The causes may differ, but the results are the same: animals suffering. What to look for • Does the animal have access to clean water in a container that cannot be overturned? • Does the animal appear thin? Is there any evidence that the animal has been fed recently? • If the animal is a dog, is there evidence that he is left out or tethered continuously? • Does the animal have access to adequate shelter from the elements? • What is the condition of the animal’s coat and skin? Does it have areas where hair is missing? Is it constantly scratching at itself? These conditions could be signs of fleas or a more serious condition. • If the animal is a dog or cat, how does the collar fit? It may never have been adjusted for growth. Is there adequate space between the collar and the animal’s neck? • Does the dog have a current license and a rabies tag, as required by state or local laws? Scenario 3: Animal neglect/cruelty (large animals) Among the potentially more troublesome cases are those involving large animals such as horses or livestock (e.g. cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep) because it can be difficult to find places to hold large animals while a criminal case proceeds through the court system. You might receive complaints like these: • Animals appear to be ”skinny” or starving • Animals are lying in a field, corral or pen and are unable to stand • Animals with signs of injury or visible wounds are going untreated • Animals have no visible source of water • Horse(s) have broken from a pasture and are very thin, eating trees and shrubs • Horse(s) have cracked or untrimmed hooves, which can cause crippling Possible causes of cruelty can include: • General ignorance or lack of understanding about basic care of horses or farm animals • Economic hardship • Laziness or apathetic attitudes toward animals What to look for: • Is clean, fresh water available to all animals? • Is there any food or grain in sight? If animals are on pasture, is the land chewed down? • Is shelter/shade available? • Is there a build-up of manure, urine, mud and other waste in horse stalls, pens or corrals? Is drainage adequate? Is there a lack of manure (an indication of failure to provide food)? • Are enclosures in good repair and free of hazards (e.g., fire or electrical hazards, broken fence posts/rails, loose wire, exposed nails, etc.)? • Is ventilation adequate? • Do the animals appear to be suffering from parasites/skin conditions? Is hair missing in spots? • Do animals have apparent injuries or visible sores or wounds? • Are horses’ hooves long or turned up (indicating a lack of exercise and other forms of severe neglect)? • Do any older horses have dental problems, such as unfiled teeth, that prevent them from normal food intake? Common complaints
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