Investigating Animal Cruelty 75 to two pounds daily of a complete swine ration. • Pigs should be provided with shelter that protects them from rain, snow, and drafts. Concrete, sloped pens that can be hosed down, expanded metal or slotted floors, or a clean, bedded pen are necessary for housing. If they are kept on concrete, they should be offered a forkful of sod once a week to chew on. Straw should be used in cold weather to help keep them warm. IMPORTANT: In the summer, shade is crucial; if they are not provided with sufficient shade, pigs may die of heat exhaustion. They should have at least one cooling method in the heat, such as a lawn sprinkler. An occasional mud bath is very enjoyable, but pigs should also have a dry area available. It is NOT acceptable to leave them in the mud constantly because of the potential for parasites. • Shelter should allow enough room so that the pigs are not overcrowded. • Hoof care is not needed. Additional recommendations Pigs should be wormed twice a year and receive shots based on a veterinarian’s recommendations (including rabies in endemic areas). Signs of neglect or cruelty Appearance: droopy/straight tail (happy, healthy pigs have a tightly curled tail); thin- ness; scratching (usually indicates presence of lice); limping Housing conditions: filthy, muddy, sloppy, manure- and trash-laden pens; lack of ventilation and/or ammonia fumes; lack of light; no dry areas; overcrowded housing (leads to disease and sickness and prevents the weaker ones from gaining access to food sources) dullness, minimal responsiveness, listlessness, disinterest in surroundings; drooping head. Note that pigs are shy with strangers, so shyness is not a symptom of neglect. If any of these elements is present, call a veterinarian to examine the animal(s). Rabbits Terminology • Female: Doe • Male: Buck Basic animal care standards • Fresh, clean water should be accessible at all times. Water should be placed in water containers specially made to hang on the side of a hutch. In the winter, if rabbits are kept outside, water should be changed often to prevent freezing. • Rabbits should have constant access to food, including free-access hay, a small amount of pelleted rabbit food, and small quantities of raw carrots and pieces of apple. Alfalfa and other hay may also be provided. • Rabbits can be given fresh grass, but too much fresh grass can cause severe diarrhea, which could lead to death. • Rabbit pellets must be stored in a dark place to prevent exposure to moisture and light, which causes vitamin loss. • Rabbits must have pieces of hard wood or dog biscuits to gnaw on to keep their teeth worn down to a proper size to allow them to chew properly. • Rabbits should be provided with shelter that protects them from snow, rain, extreme cold, and wind. Wintertime sub-freezing temperatures can cause death. In the summertime, shade is extremely important; direct sun and heat can kill rabbits quickly. • Rabbit hutches should be cleaned daily. A hutch should have a box approximately 12" by 12" with dry bedding. The rest of the hutch should have a wire mesh (½") floor. The hutch should be raised off the floor to allow feces to fall through. This is necessary Animal care standards for some common animals
20028HS
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