Signs of Abused Animals

It's an unfortunate fact of life that there are people in the world who are abusive toward animals. While many of these animals go through a great deal of trauma, some are never saved. Knowing the signs of an abused animal can be beneficial in many ways, including identifying an animal abuser or recognizing that an animal has special needs due to past abuse.

  1. Open Wounds

    • Open wounds anywhere on the body can indicate an abused animal. Especially when there are multiple open wounds, multiple healed wounds or another ongoing injury. When these wounds do not appear to be undergoing treatment, this is another sign that the animal is being abused.

    Changes in Skin

    • Any changes to the skin, outside of open wounds, may indicate that an animal is being abused. For example, a dog who has developed scaly skin or a rash may be suffering from abuse, especially when this is combined with other signs. Additional changes in skin include bumps, burns or loss of hair.

    Fur

    • Fur that is dirty or has not been bathed can be present in an abused animal. The animal may have matting of the fur and overgrown nails. The presence of parasites in the fur may also indicate abuse, including ticks or fleas.

    Collar

    • Collars that are too tight can result in neck wounds. They can become embedded in the fur or the skin of the pet, causing serious injury. These conditions can also create secondary bacterial infections due to the open wound.

    Physical Condition

    • The overall physical condition of the animal is a big indicator whether abuse has occurred. For example, emaciation, occasionally to the point of visible bones, is a sign of animal abuse. Weakness, such as being unable to get up or move around, or limping, can also signal an abused animal. Some animals may also suffer from unusual discharge from the eyes or the nose.

    Environmental Indications

    • There are many environmental indications of animal abuse. An animal without food or water for a significant amount of time, or an animal that has been tied up or caged outdoors in extreme weather conditions, either with or without food and water, indicate abuse. Dirty cages or living conditions point to an abusive situation.

    Warning

    • It should be noted that certain behavioral signs do not necessarily mean that a dog has been abused. This can include aggressive behavior, timidness or being fearful. Though this can occur in dogs who are abused, none of these behaviors can be used to conclusively identify an abused dog. In fact, some breeds are known to be more aggressive, timid or fearful, regardless of their environment.