By Gary Weitzman, DVM
SAN DIEGO — A dog tied up in a backyard without access to food and water. Dozens of birds living in their own filth and feces, hoarded in a tiny apartment. A family cat experiencing prolonged suffering from a lack of veterinary care. These are just a few examples of the more than 22,000 calls our humane officers have responded to since July 1.
San Diego Humane Society is now the animal service provider in 12 cities throughout San Diego County. Although our humane law enforcement division is among the largest in California, our officers can’t be everywhere, so we rely on the community to report suspected animal cruelty when they see it. April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, so it’s a good time to remember the important role we all have in keeping animals safe.
Our focus for 139 years has been to protect animals, but the link between violence to animals and violence to people is well-documented. For this reason, the District Attorney’s office started an Animal Prosecution Unit last year. The DA’s office has since reviewed 33 cases of animal abuse/cruelty and filed charges in 23 of those instances. We could not be more proud that San Diego County is taking actions like this to protect our animals and, ultimately, our people, too.
How you can be their voice.
Caring members of the public make it possible for us to save thousands of animals each year. Here are some common ways you can recognize when an animal may need your help:
Cowers in fear or acts aggressively when approached by their owner.
Is struck or otherwise physically abused by their owner.
Is left alone repeatedly without food and water, often chained up.
Is kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
Has wounds on their body; a flea or tick infestation; patches of missing hair; is extremely thin; limping, etc.
Has been hit by a car, has other obvious injuries, or is showing any of the signs listed above, and has not been taken to a veterinarian.
We’re proud to be entrusted with this role but we couldn’t do this important work without you. If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect in your neighborhood, please report it to San Diego Humane Society by calling 619-299-7012 (press 1 to report animal abuse). With your support, we’re truly changing the landscape of our community for vulnerable animals and the people who care about them. Thank you for helping us create a more humane San Diego.
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Weitzman is president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society