WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS ANIMAL CRUELTY

According to the ISPCA they have five full time Inspectors working and responding to cruelty cases in thirteen counties nationwide providing a crucial service in Ireland but they need our help too. The amount of calls being made to the ISPCA has increased over the years and continues to rise which means people are becoming more aware of the need for action but even more can be done so that the small numbers of Inspectors that are already stretched can work more efficiently with abused animals.  So in order to ensure that reports and queries from members of the public are dealt with appropriately and quickly the ISPCA operates a “National Animal Helpline on 1890 515 515” at their head office in Longford where you can report any type of incident involving an animal that concerns you. If you come across or witness any animal being abused or in distress and want to report it you can use this number (calls charged at normal rates). All calls are dealt with in the strictest confidence and the helpline is open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Thee Helpline Coordinator will then ask you the following questions:·        Your name, address and contact telephone number , your own details will remain anonymous but it will help the ISPCA if you can provide these details, which will not be disclosed.  

* Name and address of the owner or keeper of the animal (if known)

* The animals location/directions

* Description of the animal and it’s circumstances/ill treatment

Also the local number where Inspector Noel Shinnors who has does sterling work for the Limerick area is  061-415618 and with staff appealing to anybody who has seen an animal in trouble or seen cruelty to animals to contact them in the strictest confidence you can also log on to www.limerickspca.com for more details. While the government may be investigating the need for tougher penalties when it comes to animal cruelty cases we can do something now to help by contacting the ISPCA when you suspect any wrongdoing with animals. 

Other ways we can help is by educating children on what to do about animal cruelty, tell them to:

1. Get help for the animal. If you see someone hurting an animal or if you know of someone whose animal looks sick, injured, or deprived of adequate food, water, or shelter, get help. Call the Gardai, your local animal shelter, or a trusted adult. Do not try to help the animal yourself that could put you in danger.

2. Get the facts. Write everything down. As a witness, you’ll need to provide the date, time, location, and any other details you can remember, including descriptions of the animal, the type of cruelty, and the person who may be responsible for it.

3. Get the word out. Educate your friends, family, and teachers about animal cruelty and its connection to human violence by sharing information and logging onto www.ispca.com for more information.

4. Be a role model. Be kind to animals and let others know that hurting animals is wrong, speak up for animals and urge others to do the same.

5. Be a responsible pet owner. Don’t let your cats and dogs roam wild. When outdoors, dogs should be walked on a leash or supervised. It’s up to us to keep our pets safe.

6. Be vigilant, If you see a stray or injured animal, contact your local animal welfare, your vet, the gardai and adult and provide a description of the animal and the location.

7.  Stop cruelty before it begins if you notice a child is being too rough with your pet sit down and address the issue with them and show them how to care for their pet responsibly.

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