Local week of observance

draws attention to animal cruelty
By Caroline Monday
cmonday@mountaintimes.com

Local current events have made the subject of appropriate animal treatment the topic of many conversations. The American Humane Association’s (AHA) Be Kind to Animals Week, lasting from May 4 to 10, celebrates responsible pet treatment.

The organization offers tips on how to be an advocate for the humane treatment of animals. It encourages individuals to become involved in local animal welfare policies and legislation.

It also encourages community members to report suspected animal abuse. The association reports that not only are acts of violence against animals tragic in their own right, they may also be a red flag for domestic abuse or other violence.

The AHA also recommends that animal lovers spread the love, by teaching the people in their lives, especially children about the importance of being kind to animals.

Lynn Northup, shelter manager at the Watauga Humane Society, said a respect for all living creatures should be passed from parents to their children.

“Spaying and neutering is part of being a responsible pet owner,” Northup said. The AHA reports that spay and neuter helps solve the problem of animal over population by preventing it.

However, she said she thinks the most common form of neglect and abuse is when pet owners don’t interact and socialize with their dogs, keeping them on a chain or in a separated area. She said they may make sure a pet’s physical needs are met, while neglecting their mental and emotional needs.

“Dogs are social animals; they don’t like isolation,” she said.

The Humane Society has been working with Watauga Animal Care and Control to help care for some of the 77 dogs seized in a recent high profile case of cruelty to animals.

Northup said caring for so many additional animals has put a strain on the organization’s resources, though the animals in the shelter’s care are becoming much more energetic and playful.

She said the Humane Society is accepting donations of cash and Pedigree brand puppy food, both canned and dry.

A new need, Northup said, is heating pads, as many of the seized dogs were pregnant and are now giving birth to their litters. As of press time, four of the dogs had given birth, with more new litters expected.

For more information about how you can help, contact the Watauga Humane Society at (828) 264-7865.
For more information about Be Kind to Animals Week, visit americanhumane.org/bkaw.