Veterinary Support Against Animal Abuse

You don’t become a veterinarian just to have a safe job but also, and above all, by vocation. All those who have chosen this occupation have a deep  love for animals and, from an early age, they felt they wanted to dedicate their life to care and protect them. And, as we’ll see in this article, veterinary help is crucial against animal abuse.

Unfortunately, mistreatment is still the order of the day today. And, while we believe they only concern animals, the truth is that animal abuse has often been shown to have to do with violence against people as well.

If a human being begins to unload his frustrations on a weaker and more defenseless animal, over time he will shift violence towards people. Therefore, fighting against animal abuse is everyone’s duty. Obviously, however, there are those who deal with it in a more blunt way, such as veterinarians.

Veterinarians fight against animal abuse

Every day, around the world, hundreds of people are accused and convicted of animal abuse. When a dog, cat, or other living thing is shot, mutilated, or tortured, they are first taken to the vet. And, often, these doctors are faced with really critical cases.

The veterinarian plays an important role as he is the only one able to analyze the physical and psychological damage that the animal has suffered. This will allow the attacker to face tougher penalties and think twice before harming an animal.

But violence is  not always so evident. This is the case, for example, when the vet discovers some strange behavior, even in dogs and cats of apparently normal people. Abuse and mistreatment can also take place in traditional domestic settings. The doctor’s intuition will play a very important role in this.

Perhaps this will surprise you, but an experienced veterinarian is able to grasp the nuances that can hide a state of discomfort and a conflictual and violent relationship between owner and animal. It is not the same to treat a dog that has suffered an accident as to another that shows suspicious injury and is terrified of its owner. But then: how does a vet behave in these situations?

Stay next to the animal

If it is not possible to obtain the data of the alleged attacker, the vet may decide to keep the dog a few days to buy time and be able to report the case. To avoid suspicion, the doctor sometimes suggests that the owner leave it under observation.

Report what happened to the authorities

Using this time frame, the vet will be able to determine if the animal has been abused through more in-depth analysis and psychological tests. If he determines that there are indeed signs of abuse and mistreatment, he will report the case to the Police, who will take the animal into custody and notify the owner of the complaint.

Later, the boss will be sued and will have to defend himself before the judge, having to pay a fine or even, in the most serious cases, could end up behind bars. Penalties for animal abuse have increased in recent years. Today they represent a more than valid deterrent.

Look for a new family for adoption

Once the pet’s case is resolved, the vet can act as an intermediary to find someone who can adopt the pet. During the judicial process, the clinic could serve as a reception place until everything is resolved.

As happens in hospitals, where any type of abuse is reported (towards minors or women), practically the same happens in veterinary clinics. Veterinarians play a very important social role and, often, even risk being victims of violence themselves.

You too can do your part by reporting any signs of abuse you see on both domestic and stray animals. To change this sad practice, everyone’s help is certainly needed.