Lee County Urges Residents to Report Animal Abuse
Examples of cruelty that Lee County Animal Services’ Officers see on a daily basis include both intentional abuse and companion animals being neglected or denied necessities of care, such as food, water, or shelter. Currently one of the greatest areas of concern involves dogs that are improperly tethered in their yard and left unattended by their owners for the majority of time. Lee County case files show that the life led by tethered dogs is often characterized by neglect and even death. To view actual case photos from Lee County Domestic Animal Services’ files go to www.leelostpets.com/Pages/TetheredDogs.aspx.
April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) urges residents to report animal abuse, particularly for those dogs living their life on the end of a chain.
Why is chaining or tethering dogs not recommended?
Dogs are pack animals and their human family is their pack. Being deprived of this companionship causes dogs to suffer mentally and physically.
Dogs tethered for long periods can become highly aggressive. They naturally feel very protective of their territory since they cannot escape. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 17% of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans were restrained on their owners’ property at the time of the attack. Tragically, children are often the victims.
Tethered dogs often become victims of neglect and abuse. Being out of sight and out of mind leads to a lack of basic care. These forgotten dogs frequently suffer from starvation, lack of preventive medical care, inadequate shelter, improper tethering that causes injury or death, and exposure to heat and other extreme elements. Having no means of escape, they also can be targets of teasing or torture.
To report animal abuse in Lee County call (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS). Be sure to have as much information as possible including a description of the animal and its condition, the location with an exact address if possible, the date and time, and any witnesses.
Tax deductible donations to help with the recovery and treatment of pets who have suffered from abuse may be made to the Animal Care Trust Fund at www.leelostpets.com or mailed to: Animal Care Trust Fund, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912.