Effective Ways to Prevent Animal Abuse - Research Paper Example

? Effective Ways to Prevent Animal Abuse Animal abuse is among the most prevalent problems that have come to take place in the modern world and this is because of the fact that in many countries, the local populations do not recognize animal rights. The fact that these rights have not been recognized in many countries raises the question of how the abuse of animals can be prevented so that there can be the achievement of their rights. Therefore, while some legislation have been passed in some states to ensure that animals are protected from abuse, it is a fact that most of the abuse committed against animals are hardly ever reported, and that its prevalence is still on the rise. Hence, it is important to ensure that diverse means of protecting animals from abuse is done so that not only their rights are recognized, but also for ensuring the absolute end of such abuse. Among the most important things that can be done to ensure that animal abuse if prevented is for individuals to know who to contact when instances of such abuse are detected. For instance, in several States in the United States there have developed instances where there are agents whose main duty is to ensure that humane laws are enforced. It is these agents who have to be contacted whenever an individual suspects or witnesses instances of animal cruelty so that these cases can be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice (Beirne, 2011). In addition, it is imperative that all individuals in the society learn that all animals have rights and if their locality does not have Humane Law enforcement agents, then it is their duty to ensure that they report instances of animal abuse to the police. Once this is done, it would be much easier for there to be the prevention of animal cruelty because the involvement of law enforcement would act as a deterrent against those individuals who would normally abuse their animals. Additionally, for those individuals who live in a neighborhood they should ensure that they look out for the animals that live in the said neighborhood. In the circumstances when individuals are made aware of the animals that their neighbors keep, there will be an assurance that they will appreciate and be responsible for the physical health of these animals. As a result, for example, an individual will be able to notice the way an animal behaves; whether it is healthy of whether it has lost any weight. It has been found that the latter condition is normally a sign that the animal is being abused, and this should be reason enough to ensure that the matter is reported to the relevant authorities so that it is investigated. The result might be the possible saving of the animal not only from abuse, but also from possible death at the hands of its owner. It is a fact that without the calls that are made to relevant authorities concerning the abuse of animals, the authorities would not be made aware of the problem, hence nothing would be done (Girardi & Pozzulo, 2012). It is therefore the responsibility of all the individuals in the society to ensure that they take the responsibility of reporting animal abuse because it is the right thing to do, despite the possible consequences, such as the loss of friendships. In order to make accurate reports to the relevant authorities, it is important to ensure that individuals keep their eyes and ears open so that they are aware of any instances of animal abuse that take place in their neighborhoods. Concerning individuals who provide information related to animal abuse they should give as accurate, detailed and reliable information as possible so that a thorough investigation can be carried out by the authorities in order to curb the vice. In addition, it is essential for the individuals who are reporting to have a written description of the abuse that they witness so that there can be more accuracy in the report that may be used against the abuser (Peak & Ascione, 2008). Furthermore, it is essential for the individuals living within a neighborhood to frequently contact the local authorities to make them aware that the abuse of animals should be given priority alongside other security matters because animals also have rights that must be protected by the law. In addition, there should be lobbying by the society so that laws that protect the rights of animals against abuse are passed, because there should be the recognition that animal abuse is a crime that must be investigated by the local authorities in order for these rights to be safeguarded (Flynn 2011). The laws that are passed against the abuse of animals should advocate for strong penalties for those who are found to be guilty of such acts, so that there can be deterrence within the society. Certainly the cruelest treatment that animals receive is when they are used in laboratories for experiments because the entire process involving animal research and testing bears a massive downside to animal rights in regard to the violation of common ethical issues. These include subjecting animals to unbearable suffering, doing little or nothing in alleviating their pain and capitalizing on animal suffering. As such, it should be realized that it is unethical to subject animals to suffering while there are alternative means through which similar results can be achieved. Cruel means of killing animals are also used, where animals are exposed to excruciating pain in order to die, or so as to prove a point (Phelps, 2007). This is especially so with fur farms that are said to apply the cheapest means available in the extermination of animals for the desired purpose. Therefore, some are suffocated, electrocuted, gassed or even poisoned in order to save on the cost of procuring the desired products. While they are used for laboratory experiments, some of the animals used in research do not have their most basic needs met and this is exemplified through the filthy conditions in which they are expected to live, such as cramped cages. On some fur farms, those that are found in places such as China are known to bleed death or are bludgeoned, hanged, or even skinned alive, all proving the lack of ethics in handling animals and showing blatant lack of respect (Teitelbaum, 2002). Campaigns all over the world should be conducted to make the public aware of the cruelties that are committed to animals with the aim of ensuring that they are brought to an end. Furthermore, it is important for individuals who own pets to ensure that they take the responsibility of setting a good example for other pet owners. They should treat their pets with love, attention and respect so that individuals can be able to learn the importance of treating animals well. In addition, whenever their pets are sick, their owners should ensure that they are taken to the vet so that they can get treatment as well as be checked for and medical conditions (Lofflin, 2006). Further, it is important for the animal owners to make sure that the animals are provided with adequate shelter, food, and love so that they can be able to live in the best conditions possible for them. Furthermore, the ability of individuals to treat animals well is important for the mental wellbeing of the said animals because they help in the development of the animals’ good behavior. The owner must also take responsibility for the animal’s health through having them sprayed as well as neutered as this will ensure the animal’s continued good health as well as providing both the owner and the animal with a good environment within which to live. In addition, it is imperative for children to be taught to be against animal abuse from the time that they are very young so that they grow up knowing that the abuse of animals is wrong. They should be taught that animals, as living beings, also have feelings which have to be considered just as equally as those of human beings. If, for example, an animal is left outside without shelter, a child has to be made aware of the feelings of the animal through putting himself in the animal’s shoes. The understanding of what the animal felt by not having shelter will ensure that they realize that it is also capable of feeling joy, pain, among other feelings. In addition, initiatives to teach the younger generations about the rights of animals will go a long way in ensuring that they are made aware of the wrongness of animal abuse. This will enable them to grow up in the knowledge that they are the custodians of the rights of animals, which are similar or equal to that of human beings. As a result, there will be a consciousness of the protection of animals against abuse, and those children who would otherwise have grown up into animal abusers would instead become the greatest advocates of the prevention of such abuse. References Beirne, P. (2011). Animal abuse and criminology: Introduction to a special issue. Crime, Law and Social Change, 55(5), 349-357. Flynn, C. P. (2011). Examining the links between animal abuse and human violence. Crime, Law and Social Change, 55(5), 453-468. Girardi, A., & Pozzulo, J. D. (2012). The significance of animal cruelty in child protection investigations. Social Work Research, 36(1), 53-60. Lofflin, J. (2006). Animal abuse: What practitioners need to know. Veterinary Medicine, 101(8), 506-508,510-512,514-518. Peak, T., & Ascione, F. (2008). Animal Welfare And Elder Adults: Assessing Elder Abuse & Neglect. The Gerontologist, 48, 46. Phelps, C. (2007). For the prevention of cruelty: The history and legacy of animal rights activism in the United States. Choice, 44(7), 1206. Teitelbaum, S. L. (2002). Animal rights pressure on scientists. Science, 298(5598), 1515. Read More