Signs of Animal Abuse in the Home

You may notice a pet in your neighborhood that seems underweight, fearful or injured and wonder if the animal is suffering at the hands of an abusive owner. If you aren't comfortable discussing poor conditions with the pet's owner, you can watch for signs that indicate animal abuse in the pet's home. Any time you suspect a pet is being harmed, contact your local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or animal control office.

  1. Fearful and Sad

    • If your neighbor's dog or cat accidentally gets loose into your yard, normally you'll grab a leash and take the animal back to its home. In those few minutes you spend with the pet, you can learn a lot from its body language and expression. According to the SPCA of Ontario, an abused pet may cower away from you, tuck its tail between its legs or give you a sad, vacant look when you begin the trek back to the animal's home. The pet may even resist your efforts to take it home by trying to escape your control or run into your house instead. An animal that is not being abused normally has a bond with its owner that can be seen when pet and person are together. If you can tell the pet does not want to go home or acts terrified, it's possible the animal is being abused.

    Underweight

    • Pets provide their owners with love and companionship, and owners provide food, water, shelter and affection in return. Some animal abusers don't actively harm the pet with physical means but withhold essentials like food. Pets are almost completely reliant on their owners for food, and if you see an emaciated or underweight dog or cat, it's possible the owner is not providing that animal with food, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This may be a result of the owner's financial troubles or forgetfulness, instead of punishment, but nonetheless results in the animal's suffering. If the pet's ribs, hip bones or spine can be seen under its skin, the animal is possibly being starved. However, certain medical conditions can result in weight loss, so do not jump to conclusions.

    Poor Living Conditions

    • One responsibility of pet ownership is providing your animal with sanitary living conditions and sufficient shelter. According to the ASPCA, if you notice a pet being kept in a dirty backyard with excess feces, no protection from the elements, dirty water or no access to water, that animal is being abused. Pet dogs are sometimes kept chained to one small area and are unable to seek shade from the sun. This type of living condition is harmful to pets and is a sure sign of abuse and neglect.

    Injuries

    • Victims of violent animal abuse can have visible injuries like broken limbs, lacerations, bite wounds and bruising, but some injuries are internal. The Maricopa County Animal Care and Control office reports signs such as limping, struggling to stand or walk, lack of coordination, and cries of pain or whimpering indicate injuries inside the pet's body. These injuries may be caused by kicking, punching or throwing of the animal, which are painful types of abuse.