Supervise Companion Animals

Many people don't realize that animals left outside alone even in fenced yards are “sitting ducks” for people with cruel intentions.

Unkind Humankind

In many states, people can legally kill animals who wander onto their property. Put Fluffy outside to prowl, and she may wander into the yard of a neighbor who gets mad when she digs in the flowerbeds or kills the birds. Cats have been shot—and worse—for jumping on cars and scratching the paint. And even though you know that Fido wouldn't hurt a flea, someone may mistake your dog's boisterous greeting for aggression and respond violently.

Even animals confined to their own yards are at risk. Unattended dogs have been poisoned or beaten or had their mouths duct-taped shut for “barking too much.” “Outside animals” also risk being snatched up by “bunchers,” people who steal dogs and cats and sell them for use in experiments.

Every year, thousands of companion animals are preyed upon by cruel individuals. Imagine the sickest way to kill an animal—then consider that many people do this for “fun.” Cats and dogs have been microwaved, dismembered, sexually assaulted, hanged, set on fire, bludgeoned, buried alive, and otherwise tortured and killed. Animal guardians make it all too easy for these human predators when they leave animals outside.

The Not-So-Great Outdoors

“Street smarts” don't keep dogs and cats out of danger. Dogs may forget all about their training when they spot a bicycle to chase. Cats who lounge lazily on front porches may dart into the street when chased by a dog or enticed by squirrels or birds.

Suburban sprawl means more encounters with wild animals. Cats and small dogs can be carried away by hawks, and even big dogs are no match for hungry coyotes and cougars.

Companion animals, in turn, are also a threat to wildlife. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that free-roaming cats kill hundreds of millions of birds and small mammals in the U.S. each year, including endangered species, such as the least tern and the piping plover.

Animals who roam outdoors are also exposed to highly contagious, deadly diseases, such as rabies, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. Dogs who spend most of their time outdoors are more likely to contract heartworms through mosquito bites. Cats can get a feline form of AIDS, which has no cure or vaccine. The only way to protect cats from AIDS is to keep them indoors.

You can improve the lives of dogs and cats suffering from cruelty and neglect.

Forward this to friends.