April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, which was started by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This year marks 145 years that the society has been fighting animal cruelty.

Throughout April, ASPCA is urging supporters across the country to show support by donning orange for animals.

As a licensed humane investigator I have seen some horrific things; animals beaten, thrown out of their homes to starve to death and dogs left on chains to live isolated, miserable lives outside.

By understanding the laws that protects animals I am able to help to enforce the laws in the State of Illinois. But one doesn’t have to become a humane investigator or understand the law to help animals in need. By keeping an eye out for animals in need you, too, can make a difference.

Here are five ways you can help:

1. Know who to contact

Call your local animal shelter for advice on who to contact to report animal abuse.

2. Know animals in your neighborhood

It's easier to notice abuse if you are aware of the animals in your area. Animals that have lost extreme weight, have body wounds, missing hair may all be signs of abuse.

3. Report animal abuse

Make the call and try to provide a record of what you've observed, on what date and photograph the abuse, if possible.

4. Set an example for others

If you have pets, love and care for them. If you have kids, teach your children the importance of appreciating and treating animals with respect.

5. Support local shelter or animal rescue organizations

Make a difference by volunteering or providing foster homes for animals.

There are many more ways you can help prevent animal cruelty. For more information visit: www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/top-10-ways-to-prevent-animal

Animal and Child Abuse

It’s important to recognize that there is a connection between animal abuse, child abuse, and domestic violence.

"According to a 1997 study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people, and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse," according to www.pet-abuse.com.

The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.

Another interesting fact: licensed humane investigators are required to report any potential child abuse or neglect that can be occurring in a home they are investigating for animal abuse or neglect. If we don’t report it we can lose our license. That tells you how seriously authorities are taking the connection.

Wear Orange for Animals

A simple way you could help prevent animal cruelty this month is by wearing orange!

The ASPCA is an organization that has done progressive and positive work on behalf of the welfare of animals. With their lead I encourage you, too, to wear orange and put orange ribbons around the trees of your homes, businesses and cars.  Naturally people will ask, “why orange?”  Just that alone will promote dialogue about animal abuse and neglect and what we can do about it. 

On April 16 from noon until 3 p.m., will host an adoption event, where they will also discuss abuse and neglect cases they have investigated in Lake County.

The event will take place at , 426 N. Milwaukee Ave., They will also be distributing orange ribbons.