Abused, Stray, & Neglected Animals December, 2012 | Page 3

Editorial

Have you ever seen a stray dog on the side of the road, and it looks up at you with those big brown eyes, and seems to ask why, why am I here, and not in a home with a family who loves me? Well, have you? I know I have and that is why I chose to discuss the issue of stray, neglected, and even abused animals here in Richmond, Virginia. People these days need to be aware of the animals’ suffering today. As I am sure many people are aware of this, not many people try make things better for these poor animals. Though we have animal shelters and organizations, such as B.A.R.K, there still seems to be the issue of stray animals. Animals should be loved and cared for, have a good home, and a family who loves them and treats them as one of their own. You could volunteer at your local humane society or some other similar organization. You can also donate money to local animal organizations. If at any time you feel unsure how to help, contact your local humane society or a veterinarian and ask in what ways you can help solve this problem.

Though many animals have been taken in to shelters in Richmond, there is still the issue of neglected animals. When you have a dog, cat, or any other animal or pet, they should receive a good amount of attention and praise for good deeds. Whereas, sometimes I will see dogs in the backyard, just sitting all alone, like the owner doesn’t even care or is oblivious that they even have a dog. Animals, once again, should know in their heads that their owner cares about them. The issue of starving animals is an even bigger issue. When an animal is neglected it sometimes doesn’t get fed for a week or more. This is obviously a problem that we need to correct in the making.

Abused animals are another problem that needs to be addressed. In my eyes abusing an animal is just like abusing a person. Animals have feelings to, even if they can’t voice their opinions. That is why we must voice their opinions for them. Abuse comes in forms of kicking, hitting, and verbal abuse. Those without the patience to treat animals with kindness should not be in a position of caring for these animals.

NEGLECT

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