The Washington Humane Society has seen an increase in cases of animal neglect this year, leading the agency to warn pet owners that failing to give proper care is often worse than physical abuse.
“When most people think of cruelty to animals, they envision actual physical abuse like beatings,” says Adam Parascandola, WHS chief operating officer. “In fact, neglect is far more common and can cause greater suffering.
“In the majority of our cases, we are dealing not with what someone did to an animal, but with what they failed to do.”
District law requires that owners of companion animals provide them with food, water, shelter and necessary veterinary care adequate to guarantee a basic level of comfort, officials said. Some owners, however, fail to meet even these minimal requirements, typically citing lack of time or money as an excuse, officials said.
Parascandola said neglect cases are treated as seriously as cases of violent abuse and those responsible are subject to arrest and prosecution. According to the law, cases of gross neglect can often be handled as felonies.
On March 9, a man approached an animal control officer who found a 12-year-old Shih Tzu lying on a dog bed on the porch. The officer reported the dog was emaciated and smelled strongly of necrotic flesh from advanced skin infections on his stomach and legs. Both of the dog’s eyes were swollen closed and oozing discharge, officials said.
A veterinarian who examined the dog pronounced that the dog’s debilitated condition had been long-term and declared that it was “the worst case of neglect” he had ever witnessed. The dog was euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian.
“There really is no excuse for allowing an animal to languish and suffer,” Parascandola said. “A single telephone call can resolve the problem.”
More information
» Residents can anonymously report animal cruelty cases at 202-BE-HUMANE.
