Prevention of Animal Cruelty: Guest Blogger Cynthia Hernandez
by Christy Caplan
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April 14, 2016 
Sherm: adopted from Oregon Humane Society (why? Neglect, no time for him, couldn’t be potty trained…..)
X-Mas Profile Pic
Protecting animals from cruelty is a mission every dog blogger shares. Whether it’s putting a stop to animal fighting or fighting puppy mills – we’re all trying to make a difference. What can we all do? This article looks at a few ways everyone can help – even those with super busy lives but want to do something!
It’s Animal Cruelty Prevention month and this holiday is sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). You probably know them because you’ve seen the commercial of animals in deplorable conditions.
But did you know?
- Thanks to the ASPCA, hundreds of laws have been enacted on the federal, state and local levels, providing protections to many species of animals.
- They offer advocacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in grassroots lobbying.
But let’s say you don’t have time to become a lobbyist! That’s ok… you can enforce change in your own backyard.
Back in 2014, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed a new law making the state the 50th to set felony penalties for malicious acts of animal cruelty. So all 50 states can punish the worse cases of animal cruelty.
For example… you can:
- By sending letters and e-mails supporting pro-animal measures that are already on the legislative agenda, you can help convince these politicians that the voters who put them in office want to see animals protected from cruelty and neglect. More information can be found here.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about a sad case you want people to know about: more here on steps to take.
Guest blogger and fellow animal advocate, Cynthia Hernandez, of KirinGie.Me also has some tips for readers. We asked her a few questions – what from your perspective can folks be doing to prevent animal cruelty?
She recently wrote an article about Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and what we can do about it.
- What kind of resources can you point people to?
CH: We are fortunate to live in a time where information and resources are just a click of a button away. ASPCA offers a wealth of information on what to look for and who to contact to report cases of abuse. To aid in the case it is extremely important to document in detail the what, when, and who. The more information you provide the greater chance that action will be taken for the protection of animals.
- What should people know about as far as studies that link animal cruelty to – violence against humans?
CH: Animal cruelty is not just about the animals. There has been many studies of serial killers that indicate they started their violent acts on defenseless animals. Mounting evidence supports the theory that households where an animal is being abused there is a higher probability that members of the family are also being abused. The FBI is now officially tracking and paying closer attention to animal cruelty cases. There is a strong push for maintaining a national animal abuser registry; currently only in a few states. And, several states are now requiring communication between agencies if there is any suspicion of physical abuse on any family member including pets.
- Do you have any personal experiences on this topic that made an impact on you?
CH: When I was a teenager, I encountered a man kicking a young, homeless pup outside a convenience store. Nobody was doing anything. Without thinking, I ran to protect the dog and got kicked in the process. Fortunately, a couple of guys stepped in to hold the man back and I ran away with the dog. This is nothing in comparison with the many cases I see across social media daily. Knowing these people are out there is scary.
About Cynthia M. Hernandez-
Founder of KirinGie.Me, the only pet registry that rewards responsible pet parents. Making a dent on pet abandonment, relinquishment and euthanasia through community support, corporate sponsorship, and city partnerships.
Additional resource:
http://www.aspca.org/animal-protection/public-policy – register for email updates!
http://www.oregonhumane.org/report-cruelty/ – local Oregon resource
Great post!!!! Love the ASPCA and all they do.
Thank you! The ASPCA rocks!
Animal cruelty is so very sad and so underprosecuted. I hope that more laws are passed moving forward and that punishments are stricter for those who choose to engage in this horrible behavior.
Agreed – I think we’re turning the corner and more folks are creating awareness for certain cases. So hopefully stricter laws will be put into place.
Thank you for the interview Christine. Animal Cruelty is something most people don’t want to think about but it’s a reality that can be prevented. It all starts with awareness and it doesn’t take much to help make a difference. Thank you for doing your share. Cynthia
I REALLY appreciate the Q&A. This post had a positive impact on folks that read it so thank you again!
Great post! Both of our dogs are from the Oregon Humane Society and our kitties are from the Nevada Humane Society. I am definitely on board with preventing animal cruelty!
That’s awesome – Shermie is also from OHS. So scary that folks would abuse our sweet munchkins. Thank you!
Great post. All our kitties are rescued and one of them was mistreated prior to coming into our home. Originally he was a foster, but I couldn’t let him leave.
That’s so awesome that you rescued all these innocent kitties. Anyone that can abuse an animal should pay for their actions.
Wonderful post! Helping support rescue organizations is so vital! 🙂
Thank you so much.
Great post – the only way in my eyes is to rescue / adopt. Learnt that from my Mom who is 85 years old and as a kid growing up we always went to the SPCA to adopt
Thanks so much for sharing that – that’s a nice story to share about you Mom and the values she taught you.
I’ve been thinking about Kona on and off for the past few days. I hope that guy gets the full extent to which he can be punished!
Me too: It’s horrible, I cannot even wrap my brain around it. The guys better suffer a steep penalty for what he did. Someone set up a Kona petition to make sure he feels pain for what he did to this poor, sweet, helpless dog.
Great post, thank you for bringing attention to such an important issue. I really like how Cynthia points out that a lot of criminals start with defenseless animals and how the FBI is taking notice!
I thought that was a great point too – now finally the feds are getting involved and real punishments are being given to those that deserve JAIL time.
I experienced animal abuse first hand (much like Cynthia) when I was 12 years old. We were driving through a sketchy part of town and this man was literally dragging a puppy across the road with a leash. Then I saw him slam the puppy on the sidewalk. I started screaming and my mom stopped the car, rolled down the window and started yelling at him to stop. I’ll never forget him yelling back “It’s my dog! I’ll do whatever I want to it!” My mom called the police. Unfortunately even 15 years ago, animal rights weren’t what they are today. But from that day forward, I was changed. It makes my heart so happy to see animal rights going in the direction they are.
@DogMomDays
Goodness Amanda. Thank you so much for sharing this. What a tragic and terrible abuse case right in front of you! It’s so upsetting. It makes me physically sick – I agree that animal rights are now finally heading in the right direction. OMG and – your Mom and you I’m sure will never forget that moment. What an awesome Mom you have. XO
An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. Goes for cruelty too.
Great point!
Super post! Supporting rescue organizations are so important to the health and well being of dogs and cats in between homes.
Thank you so much. Agreed – the ASPCA plays a large and important role.
I think stressing the connection between cruelty to animals and violence to humans is vital (as you do in the post). So many will just brush it off as “just an animal” and not as important. By showing the connection to future violence towards people it makes more of a case of why everyone should care and not just animal lovers.
I agree that everyone should care. The connection is so important – if someone is abusing animals the connection that they may abuse another human being is clear. So scary. Important for people to know…
Great post!!
Thanks so much!
What an excellent post & I’m glad you included the link between animals cruelty & other crimes. Animal cruelty hurts everyone. I see Cynthia was a brave animal advocate, even as a child! Special lady (- :
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thank you so much: I agree that Cynthia rocks and I was happy to have her as a guest! I hope this helps educate folks a little.
Great post! It feels so good to adopt rather than buy pets. Adopted pets know that you’re rescuing them and the bond is even deeper.
I believe it’s also important to recognize animal cruelty in farm and laboratory animals as well as wildlife. Educating myself about farm animal abuse is what motivated me to become a vegan. I’m now on the journey to buying only cruelty free toiletry items and have “killer” shoes for which no animal was killed. : )
Thank you! I agree completely – I’m working with a local Beagle Rescue group on Beagles used in Labs and how we can support the groups trying to get them out… I’m so impressed with all that you’re doing!
That’s so wonderful you’re working with the local Beagle Rescue groups and helping to stop Beagles being used in laboratory experiments.
Thanks for your encouragement and right back at you: You’re amazing!
I haven’t seen an animal being abused (thankfully), but I am glad to know that some of the ways to make a difference.
I have only seen one case of animal cruelty- I saw a man drag his beautiful Black Lab into his yard by the collar and I yelled at him and asked if I could help somehow. Making sure he knew I saw all of it and that I’d report him in a second.
It is great to know closer attention is being paid to animal cruelty. Steeper fines and jail time should be included.
I’m happy they’re making so much progress too – I agree – MUCH steeper fines and real accountability.
I was at the Wigglebutts Uncorked fundraiser last night and was horrified what people are capable of. Several beautiful dogs all abused. My own Kilo Pug has issues. We have been working here in Canada on anti cruelty and anti Puppy Mills with friends.
Oh Wigglebutts looked like so much fun! It’s super scary what people are capable of – agreed. SO terrible. So glad we’re all creating awareness for this issue.
I’ve never understood how people could be cruel to animals.
Ditto – awful.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! We cannot say enough against animal cruelty! I believe the more we spread the word, the more people will step up to the plate. It is such a cruel act against these poor defenseless animals. Thank you so very much for doing your part in spreading the word!
I hope so! Perhaps this month there will be so many posts and article about the work people are doing it’ll make a difference all up. Thank you for your comments!
Animal cruelty is something that all humans should be watching out for. It isn’t something that happens only to dogs – cats and other animals often get abused. Any person willing to abuse an animal is just a step away from hurting other people if you ask me. I totally agree with your guest today!
Thank you so much Robin: Totally agree – what sick person would abuse an innocent animal – someone one step towards hurting another human being…
I’ve worked large-scale cruelty, hoarding and dog fighting cases for the ASPCA and the work they do is critical! Thank you for advocating for a fantastic organization, the animals they help and encouraging bloggers to pick up the mantle!
Wow Bernard – I’d like to talk to you about that sometime for sure. The work they do is outstanding and thank goodness they’re doing what they can…Thank you for posting that you’ve been involved.
I’m glad animal cruelty can get felony charges, abusers need to understand that it’s not okay to abuse creatures just because they can’t speak for themselves. What a story, you must have been really brave to defend a dog abused by a stranger!
Same! That story was from Cynthia – and to your point, she must have been super brave. I have not confronted anyone myself but I’d like to tell them exactly how I feel in those circumstances… Thanks for your comment.