This weekend I was pondering the effects bullying has on a child and how these effects correlate with animal abuse (mostly in regard to, but not necessarily limited to, domesticated animals).
Animal abuse from a human is the same as human bullying a child.
Some people may think that animals do not have feelings but they do. Any person that has had a pet knows all to well the feelings animals have. The feeling of excitement they have when their owner comes home after a long day. The contentedness they feel when they are pet, cuddled or attention is lavished upon them. The security they feel knowing that they are loved. The sadness they feel when their owner is gone for a long period or when they are ignored. The fear they have when faced with uncertain situations or people. These feelings are all to clear.
Webster Dictionary’s definition of bullying is “the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something”.
A definition of abuse is: “the maltreatment: the physical or psychological maltreatment of a person or animal; or harmful practice: to use wrongly or improperly, to misuse. Synonyms include mistreat, injure, and damage”
Any person who yells, hits or acts aggressively toward animals is a bully. Any person who neglects an animal or withholds life’s necessities such as food, warmth, adequate shelter and affection is a bully.
The majority of animals are abused when they are young (usually two years or younger). This is probably due to the fact that they are less “manageable” than older animals and are not yet trained. Thus, owners/people use physically aggressive behavior to train them not realizing that it is not effective.
Abuse in an animal is not always apparent. Animals may show signs of physical abuse such as bruises, physical abnormalities, scarring, neurological disorders etc. However, abuse is usually more apparent in how it has affected an animal emotionally. Fearful behavior when their owner is around such as cowering in their presence, showing extremes in behavior, being overly submissive or extremely passive, or the opposite by being aggressive are all signs of abuse. Anxiety, fear, distrust, uncontrollable shaking and body tension are other signs. An animal may also show signs of bad behaviors such as running away, biting, lunging, destroying property, and urinating uncontrollably or purposely.
Can the effects of these behaviors be changed? This really depends on the extent of the abuse. Animals who live in physical pain, that will never go away, or those who are deeply and emotionally scarred may have to be put down due to their suffering. However, most abused animals are NOT a lost cause. With lots of time, patience and care, most animals can be helped.
Of course, the best option would be never to abuse an animal at all. “Treat others as you would like to be treated” is a good motto in caring for animals too. Think about it. Would you like to be targeted, yelled at, neglected, chased, kicked, punched or have life sustaining things withheld? Probably not.
Animal abuse is NOT acceptable!
Today research is proving that there is a correlation between animal abuse, domestic violence and child abuse. Not just by how it affects those involved but studies now show that those who abuse animals are also abusive to their spouses/partners (past, present or future) and/or their children.
If we all stand together, we can stop bullying now.
Together with local law enforcement officials, animal control officers and veterinarians we can help to protect not only the animals but also the children and others in our community that may be affected as well. Stand up and help protect those who cannot protect themselves!
If you know of an animal abuse case near you please be responsible call the proper authorities. If the animal is in immediate danger, call your local RCMP or Police detachment or call your provincial SPCA. The number for the Saskatchewan SPCA is 1-877-382-7722.
Information for this article taken in part from: canadianveterinarians.net/pdfs/SekselBehavAbuse.pdf
