[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/signs-of-animal-abuse\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/signs-of-animal-abuse\/","headline":"Subtle (and Not so Subtle) Signs of Animal Abuse","name":"Subtle (and Not so Subtle) Signs of Animal Abuse","description":"Animal lovers everywhere are understandably outraged by stories and photographs of abused or neglected animals. For loving pet owners, it\u2019s inconceivable to think of harming an animal, but signs of abuse and neglect can be subtle; it could be happening right under our very noses. That\u2019s why we want to take a moment to review […]","datePublished":"2018-09-06","dateModified":"2024-11-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/author\/ceastwayadvance360-com\/#Person","name":"chris","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/author\/ceastwayadvance360-com\/","identifier":3,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"West Park Animal Hospital","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/westhospitallogo.png","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/westhospitallogo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-880031094-1-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-880031094-1-1.jpg","height":534,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/signs-of-animal-abuse\/","about":["Blog","Cat Health","Dog Health"],"wordCount":502,"articleBody":"Animal lovers everywhere are understandably outraged by stories and photographs of abused or neglected animals. For loving pet owners, it\u2019s inconceivable to think of harming an animal, but signs of abuse and neglect can be subtle; it could be happening right under our very noses. That\u2019s why we want to take a moment to review the subtle and less subtle signs of animal abuse in the home.  Signs of Animal AbuseBesides witnessing the abuse first-hand, it can be hard to tell when there\u2019s cause for concern. The following are likely signs of animal abuse:Tucked tail, flinches at human contactUnexplained fractures or limpingUnprovoked aggression, whining, or whimperingOverly submissive (rolling onto back, tail tucked, urinating)Suddenly avoiding any physical contactAttempts to bite or scratch when pettedSome signs that an animal is being neglected can include:Changes in appearance, such as fur loss, dull texture, or mangeVery skinny or sickly lookingObvious wounds or injuries that remain untreatedBeing left in a kennel or chained outside exclusivelyWhat You Can DoAnimal abuse can be a touchy issue, but it should always be taken seriously. If you suspect or notice any signs of animal abuse, please contact West Park Animal Hospital immediately.Young children can inadvertently hurt a pet, which is why it\u2019s important to educate them on proper handling techniques and how to respect animals in general. If you know or suspect an older child is intentionally harming a pet as a means of coping with trauma or intense emotions, please seek professional help right away.Protecting PetsAlerting the proper authority is the best way to help an animal that\u2019s being abused. If you know or suspect that someone is abusing or neglecting an animal, please call the cruelty hotline of the \u00a0Cleveland Animal Protective League (216-377-1630) and leave a detailed message. You can also contact your local police department and file a complaint.In Ohio, animal abuse and neglect used to be considered a misdemeanor, but the law changed in 2009 \u2013 it\u2019s now a fifth-degree felony offense. This means that anyone convicted will face six to twelve months in jail and pay a fine of up to $2,500. While it may seem difficult to report a case of animal abuse, especially if it involves someone you know, remember that you may be the only chance a pet has at finding safety and a better life.Preventing Cruelty to AnimalsEducating the next generation is one of the most effective ways to prevent animal cruelty. Instilling a sense of empathy and highlighting the value of life is essential when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.Please contact the team at West Park Animal Hospital if you have any questions or concerns. We appreciate all you do to make the world a safer place for animals!The post Subtle (and Not so Subtle) Signs of Animal Abuse appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Pet Resources","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Subtle (and Not so Subtle) Signs of Animal Abuse","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/signs-of-animal-abuse\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]