10.
Most rodeo events rely on creating a stressful
environment for the domesticated and often docile
animals involved. Participants rely on harsh handling
practices (i.e. twisting calves tails or painful electric
shocks) to make animals perform.
11.
The exotic pet trade is a multi-billion dollar industry
in the US and while some wild pets are bred in
captivity, many are taken from their native habitats.
The stress of being violently removed from their homes
causes a number to die prematurely.
Baby Joe the elephant stayed beside his mother, who was brutally slaughtered, for many days before being found
by rescuers.
Both Wong and the Malaysian authorities have yet to respond to the
allegations made in the video report, but we know that old habits die hard, and
while the Lizard King lives on, the real victims exotic lizards, snakes and
tortoises continue to suffer ignominious ends.
The key to preventing neglect is education. Many owners just aren't aware of how important affection is to a pet or
even that a puppy can outgrow her collar.
The key to preventing abuse is stronger anti-cruelty laws -- laws that empower effective enforcement and include
harsh penalties. Serious penalties can inhibit cruelty and, with the addition of counseling as a penalty, can stop
the incidents from being repeated by offenders.
You can help prevent these cruel acts by informing others about what to do if they see such an act or by helping
them to better understand how to train and care for their pets.
Schedule a speaker from your local humane agency to talk at your church or any clubs you belong to.
Do the same for any children's groups, like scout groups, day-care centers, and schools.
Set up a brown-bag lecture series at your office, conducted by a humane agency, on pet care, basic
behavior solutions, and animal welfare issues.
Get pet care and behavior pamphlets from your humane agency to distribute to any of your coworkers or
friends with new pets.
Put together packets of treats and a pet-care book or video to give to friends who've just gotten a new
pet. Include spay/neuter information, tags, and a vaccination record book. Obedience lessons make a great gift
for a new puppy.
Support any initiatives to strengthen your state's anti-cruelty laws.
Write to your paper and TV station whenever animal cruelty stories appear. Tell them you support strong
penalties for these abusers.
Contribute to or volunteer at your local shelter, where they must deal with these appalling situations
regularly.
Now when you see a neglected or abused animal, you can take action. Don't hesitate. Your call could save a life