Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty. Generally, animal cruelty can be divided into two categories: neglect and intentional cruelty. Neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic requirements of food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Neglect is often the result of simple ignorance and can be corrected by educating the owner on proper care. Intentional cruelty is when a person intentionally inflicts harm on an animal, and is often an indicator of a serious behavioral problem.

The Sequoia Humane Society's mission is to "end the tragedy of euthanasia caused by too many animals, not enough homes." Two of our goals are to promote the welfare of all animals, and to end animal suffering. Certainly, preventing animal abuse is key to achieving these goals. SHS often receives calls reporting suspected cases of animal abuse, or asking us to "go after" an individual or organization that someone feels is treating an animal badly or has caused an unhealthy or potentially dangerous living situation for an animal. What is the Humane Society's role in animal abuse investigations? How do we participate in creating a more animal-friendly community attitude that results in a lower incidence of animal neglect and abuse?

As a non-profit organization with no law enforcement power, SHS technically has no authority to investigate animal abuse crimes or take action against suspected animal abusers. This onerous task is the duty of our Deputy Sheriffs, with assistance from Animal Control Officers. The Sheriff's Department is trained to investigate crimes and has the authority to make an arrest if the situation warrants, while Animal Control Officers are specially trained and equipped to handle animals and are well versed in animal cruelty laws. When someone calls SHS to report a suspected case of animal abuse we refer them to these professionals, whose specific knowledge and expertise are essential to conducting a legal investigation.

SHS is not, however, passive in following up on cases where clear animal cruelty is being committed. The Humane Society has two board members with a background in law enforcement. While they do not have any official authority to interfere with an ongoing animal abuse investigation, they work closely with Animal Control, keeping informed of current issues and ensuring that the community's interest in promoting the humane treatment of all animals is upheld.

Education is a key component in preventing animal neglect and abuse. Many instances of apparent neglect are the result of ignorance - either on the part of the animal's caretaker or others close to the animal. People that are brought up in a home where animals are treated as property, rather than cared for as family members, will grow up thinking it's OK to leave a dog chained up, or to hit an animal when it has done something "bad". Providing information to parents, teachers and children about responsible pet ownership is one way SHS addresses the root of the animal abuse problem.

It is also important to promote individual responsibility in our fight against animal abuse. If you observe a person treating an animal poorly or see an animal in squalid conditions, please, don't turn a blind eye on their suffering. YOU can do something to help an animal in distress. Talk to your neighbors and encourage them to give their animals proper food and exercise. Teach your children to be gentle with animals, not to tease them, and to ask the owner before approaching a dog they don't know. Report suspected incidents of animal abuse or neglect to the Humboldt County Sheriffs Department at 445-7251, taking special care to note dates and times, and the identity of any individual known to be involved. And remember, domestic violence often starts with violence toward a family pet. Taking a stand on preventing animal abuse benefits both the animals and families in our community.

Jim Boller, Houston SPCA Director of Shelter & Field Services (Animal Planet's "Animal COPS-Houston")