Signs that your neighbor is abusing their pet

In Denver this past week, a Yorkshire Terrier by the name of Bobo was found severely burned and barely alive after his owner put him in the middle of burning phone books on the stove. Sadly, Bobo did not make it after being taken to a local animal veterinarian hospital and being treated. While acts as horrific as this one are not heard of often, people abusing their pets is common in all manners is common.

Marina Johannsen, founder and president of a non-profit animal welfare organization, recently wrote an article found on the Denver examer.com website that discusses signs of animal abuse, how to become aware of these situations, and how to take action if you see them occurring. The following are examples of signs that she states could possibly mean a pet is being abused according to the ASPCA:

• Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal’s death.
• Wounds on the body.
• Patches of missing hair.
• Extremely thin, starving animals.
• Limping.
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
• Dogs that are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard.
• Dogs that have been hit by cars-or are showing any of the signs listed above-and have not been taken to a veterinarian.
• Dogs that are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
• Animals that cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.

The point of the article is to inform people that these things do happen, and that it is up to the public to be aware of these situations so that they can do something to help prevent or stop them. With community members working together, the abuse of animals could be severely decreased so that stories such as Bobo’s do not happen.

To read more about Bobo’s story, please visit the website denverpost.com

Bobo, a Yorkshire Terrier, being treated at the Wheat Ridge Veterinarian hospital after he was found with more than 50 percent of his body burned. The terrier died due to his injuries earlier this week. Image from the denverpost.com