APSRC's Tips on Being Kind to AnimalsIf you find a lost animal:
Options: Contact animal control. Post "Found _____" signs in the neighborhood. Check
www.pets911.com,
www.petfinder.com, and
http://pets.lostandfound.com/to see if someone is looking for the animal. Newspapers will typically publish found animal ads for free.
In case the animal is ill and contagious, keep it away from your pets.
http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/Be careful! Don't get bitten.
If you lose your pet: Go to the county and city shelters to look for your pet. Go every day, since your pet could be brought in any time. Shelters are only required to hold animals for 72 hours. There is the county shelter behind Reidsville Veterinary Hospital. There is a shelter for the city of Eden behind Eden Veterinary Hospital. Western Rockingham County has a small shelter at the Animal Care Clinic of Mayodan/Madison (Dr. McKinlay).
Hang signs in your neighborhood. Ask your neighbors.
Leave food out and call for your pet.
Post your animal on the websites listed above.
Post signs at the local vets' offices.
Place an ad in the local papers. These are usually free of charge.
http://www.petrescue.com/library/find-pet.htmPrevent losing pets, and ensure pets are returned home:Microchip your pet(s)
Your pet should always wear a safety collar with an ID tag. Rabies tags must be on your pet, according to the law.
Fence in your yard.
Keep your cat inside:
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/if_you_love_wildlife_keep_your_cat_inside/http://cats.about.com/od/indoorsvsoutdoors/Indoors_VS_Outdoors_Cats_Really_Are_Safer_Inside.htmKeep your dog inside, and let him/her out on leash:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.phpIf you witness/suspect animal cruelty, including neglect:Contact Animal Control, either in the county or the city.
http://petfoster.org/Dear_Neighbor.docUnder NC's Statute 19A, a citizen can sue someone for animal cruelty, so if your neighbor is neglecting his/her animal, you can take him to court. Possible results could be that the animal's owner will have to comply with animal welfare laws or the animal could be taken away from the owner.
There is a proven connection between animal abuse and violence toward people.
http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/first_strike_the_connection_between_animal_cruelty_and_human_violence/animal_cruelty_and_family_violence_making_the_connection/animal_crueltydomestic_violence_fact_sheet.htmlhttp://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nr_fact_sheets_linkhttp://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=413If you must re-home a pet:Send us a detailed description of the animal and pictures. We can place the animal as a courtesy post on the Petfinder website. (
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC488.html)
Never place "Free to Good Home" ads. These animals sometimes end up being sold to labs or are neglected. An animal that is free is sometimes treated with less value. Before the animal goes to the new home, always check a vet reference and do a home visit. Check the potential adopter's name on
www.pet-abuse.com to be sure that he/she hasn't ever been accused on animal cruelty.
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/guidelines_for_finding_a_responsible_home_for_a_pet.htmlhttp://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/Want a pet?: Please do not purchase a pet from a pet store. See
http://stoppuppymills.org/.
Please choose to adopt. Adopted fees typically include vaccinations and spay/neuter. These costs usually add up to a lot more money if you get a free animal and pay for these services a la carte.
· Adopt from your local shelter. There are many wonderful, adoptable animals in our shelters.
· There are rescues that have wonderful mixed breed animals.
· There are many breed specific rescue groups, and these groups typically can give you detailed information about the animal's temperament and can help you find the best pet for your
home.
Please do not give pets as gifts. These animals often end up being returned. Having a pet is a huge commitment, so people should make the choice and commitment on their own.
Why Spay/Neuter?:http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/why_you_should_spay_or_neuter_your_pet.htmlhttp://www.spayusa.org/main_directory/02-facts_and_education/benefits_sn.aspIf you want the benefits of a pet without the commitment:Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Consider fostering for a local rescue group.
http://www.petfoster.org/faqs.html#fosteringWant to donate time or money to help animals?:Consider donating and being active locally. There are many excellent local organizations that help animals. Rockingham County has us, the Rockingham County Humane Society, and the Rockingham County Animal Welfare Society. There are also many breed specific rescue groups in the area. Consider volunteering your time at a local shelter or for one of the above mentioned groups?
Planning for your pet's future - Will planning, etc.:http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/providing_for_your_pets_future_without_you/http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Wills.php
If you hard having trouble affording veterinary care:Please contact us for a list of veterinary funding resources for low-income families.
Rockingham County's Animal Control Ordinance: http://www.co.rockingham.nc.us/dogord.htmNC Animal Welfare Law:http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusncst19A_20_130A_201.htmWant to help pass legislation to improve animal welfare, check out
www.ncvaw.org.
General:http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/www.hsus.orgwww.aspca.orgwww.americanhumane.orgwww.petstv.comCompiled by the Animal Protection Society of Rockingham County. The Animal Protection Society is not responsible for the content contained in the websites posted on this page. These websites are from outside organizations.
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