There are 365 days a year and each day someone is watching. There are more than just the Animal Control Officers out there checking on and making sure that all animals are being well cared for — shelter workers, veterinarians, volunteers, town employees, town selectmen and the list goes on. Each of these knows, as should everyone else, that if you see animal cruelty in any form or anything else happening to an animal for that matter that may be questionable in a humane manner, then they must report it. If they or anyone else fails to report the incident, then they are just as guilty as the person committing the crime.
Something else to think about, it is found that animal cruelty and domestic violence go hand in hand. This is true and is part of law enforcement training. So don’t feel like you’re being a bother when you see something happening and think that you will be bullied or intimidated for being a “nosy neighbor.”
If you see something, say something. It is also helpful to carry a camera with you or snap a picture with your phone. Rather makes you wonder, if you see someone kicking a dog or beating on it continually, whom else do they do this to? Just how far do these types of people take this?
I cannot tell you what I think of them because the language would offend. What I can say is they are some of the saddest kinds of people out there. This behavior is not limited to any one class of people. It covers all the classes, rich or poor, young or old. They can all fool you and they are clever. They also hold every job title known and this makes it even tougher to control.
Some call this another disease like the ones who make and deal drugs and they should be granted help for their sickness. I say it is a disease of choice; they made it. If they are given anything then it should be more in fines and much more in community service and parole. One thing I do believe, jail is not for everything or everyone. Unless they are repeat offenders or did not learn the first or second time, I do believe in giving second chances, but with limits.
Another problem is animal hoarding. I don’t think we have it as bad as other places, but we have it here. Most just turn a blind eye to it, but letting it go is the worst that can be done. Hoarding in any aspect only leads to unsafe and unhealthy conditions with only a bad outcome for people and animals alike. They believe they are helping or they see no harm in it and there is no convincing them otherwise.
This is something you should report and step to the side and out of the way. If you need inspiration or motivation to help animals, may I suggest you go to different sites on your PC such as the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.) They do not edit most of their pictures of cruelty to animals and the help they give to these animals is tremendous.
The site I go to is the NJ SPCA because they show and tell it like it is. You can find your own site of your liking and get involved. They all need your support — the Humane Societies (locals only, I am not a supporter of the HSUS), the rescue centers or groups, and the ASPCA or SPCA. I have my favorites here locally and try to help them when I can. Can you?
One place to call to volunteer would be the Ark Animal Sanctuary in Houlton, they still need help with their new facility and every little bit helps. Like them on Facebook and stay tuned to what’s happening at the Ark. Okay, that’s enough rambling for now, thanks for reading.
Joe Rodweller of Linneus, a certified animal control officer and member of the Maine Animal Control Association, operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or via e-mail at debjoe347@yahoo.com.
