Animal Cruelty and the Economic Effect on the Shelters

According to the Humane Society of the United States canine cruelty is the most common form of animal abuse across the United States. However, animals of all types are the victims of abuse. Not all of the cases are reported and many abusers are never caught. Even if the amount of animal abuse cases decrease, it does not mean that it is happening less. The fact is with the struggling economy, there may be more animals that are being starved and abused.

Let's take the example of the Ohio firefighter who shot his two dogs before he left for a cruise. According to CNN, the firefighter, David Santuomo, he shot them because he could not afford to board them while he was away. While he may not have been able to board them, shooting them was an appalling decision. However, his sentence was light: a 90 day jail sentence that could be served in 10 day increments over a two year period, 200 hours of community service, pay a $4,500 restitution, and he is not allowed to have an animal companion for 5 years. Is this enough? Most people don't think so and those in the Columbus area no longer want him on the fire department.

The case of the firefighter is just one case. Animal cruelty comes in many forms. Whether it not providing them with adequate shelter, food and water, or it is physical abuse, it is happening everyday all over the world. Shelters are overcrowded from those that make the chose to abandon their pets. This, however, is the best case scenario for the animals. Many pets are simply left in their cages or on their leashes to starve and it is not just dogs and cats. Horse, cows, goats, and other livestock are victims, as well.

With the economy struggling, more and more people are going to have to make the decision on what should be done about their animals. If you or someone you know can no longer afford to care for a pet, take it upon yourself to do the right thing and contact your local pet shelter for assistance. On the other hand, if you are doing well, donate your time, food, or money to your local shelter. Shelters today are struggling and they can use all of the help they can get. Visit your local animal shelter today and find out how you can help.