Within New York City alone, the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Department investigates over 5,000 cases of animal cruelty each year. The animals vary from household pets to horses and livestock. However, because many cases are never reported and the animal’s suffering goes unrecognized and without the necessary intervention, the Guardians of Rescue based in New York steps in to assist.
“It’s easy to overlook the many animals in distress or to turn away from it,” said Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue. “We don’t do that. We work hard with the support of those in the public to help these animals in need, and we feel great doing it.”
One of the many programs provided by the Guardians of Rescue is called Junior Guardians.
Junior Guardians educates young people on how to fight animal abuse. They also help young people learn how to recognize animal abuse and report it to the proper authorities. Following are some suggestions they offer in accordance with the ASPCA on how to recognize animal cruelty and what to do about it:
- Visible wounds: Abused animals often have visible signs of illness or injury that are not usually being treated.
- Unhealthy body: Some animals that are not being properly cared for will be emaciated to the point where their bones are showing or may be extremely thin.
- Inadequate grooming: The animals are dirty, have overgrown nails and may have fur that is extremely matted.
- Weakness: An abused animal may not able to move around normally or may be limping.
- Isolated outside: Pets that are left outdoors for a long time are of concern. They may be in unsanitary conditions and not have access to food and water.
- Unsafe conditions: Notice if a pet is kept in an area that is unsafe that could lead to injury, such as an area full of broken glass or garbage.
- Incorrectly crated: While many people crate their pet, it may be abusive if they are using a crate that is too small and does not allow the animal to engage in normal movements, such as standing up.
- To Report, make the call: Those who believe animal abuse may be taking place should contact their local animal shelter or animal control department. Those who are unable to locate the local shelter or humane society should contact the local police at a non-emergency number and get a referral.
- Be detailed: Try to get as many details as possible about the animal to hand over to the authorities. Include details of what was happening, times, dates and location.
- Follow-Up: The calls made to report animal abuse are kept anonymous. They can still be followed up if you do not hear back from authorities in a reasonable time frame. The person turning in the abuse can also choose to testify.
Recently, the Guardians of Rescue stepped in to respond to a call about two pit bulls being kept in poor conditions. Eleven neglected puppies were found in a dark basement. The Guardians of Rescue swept in, and the mother and puppies were removed from the house, treated for their injuries and sheltered.
If you would like to consider adopting a pet in need, please visit their list of adoptable pets online and email adoptions@guardiansofrescue.org with further questions.
The Guardians of Rescue is located at 34 East Main Street, Suite 303, Smithtown, NY 11787 Telephone: 888-287-3864 or 631-681-5443
They are a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the well-being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families who need assistance due to economic factors.
To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit their website or follow their activities on Facebook.
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Email info@GeminiUniversal.com if you have comments or a story you would like me to share. I currently write as NJ Animal Rescue Examiner, National Cats Examiner, National Pet Health Examiner, and National General Pets Examiner. Follow me on Twitter and visit us on Facebook for news and updates.
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