Speaking For Those Who Cannot

What to Do If You Witness Abuse or Neglect

A parakeet set on fire, the object of a cruel teen prank, caught on videotape.

A hamster put in the microwave by two teenage girls who just wanted to see what would happen. He would later chew three of his feet off, unable to take the pain of his burns.

A rabbit, no longer wanted, left to fend for herself in a city park.

Every day pets across the United States are neglected, abused, and abandoned by those who are supposed to care for them. Small animals like hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable. They cannot cry out for help themselves. They cannot save themselves from those who hurt them. It is up to those who witness the abuse and the neglect firsthand to stand up and save them: We are the only voices of the abused and the neglected.

Photo courtesy of Sue R B

But, how do you know when an animal is being neglected or abused? It’s not always as obvious as the hamster put in a microwave and the parakeet set on fire. There are, however, telltale signs that an animal is likely being neglected or abused:

1.    Have you seen the pet being abused or hit?
2.    Does the pet have fresh food and water? If she does not have one, either or both, it’s time to step in and take action.
3.    Are there cuts, sores, or bruises on the pet? For example, does the rabbit or ferret have sores on the bottom of her foot?
4.    Is the pet housed in a cage that is much too small for her?
5.    Is the pet too skinny? Can you see her ribs?
6.    Is the pet visibly injured?
7.    Does the pet have patches of fur missing?

Write down everything you can about the abuse that you’ve witnessed, including:

•    How the pet has been abused or neglected (i.e. a rabbit stuck in an outdoor hutch that is so small she can’t turn around)
•    The names (if you know them) of those who are responsible for the abuse or neglect
•    When (the date or dates) you witnessed the abuse or neglect
•    The address or location where you witnessed the abuse or neglect

If you have witnessed or suspect a pet is being abused or neglected, it’s important to take action. All you have to do is call your local animal shelter, the local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), or the Humane Society. Jotting down the above information will make it easier when you call for help.

However, if the situation is so severe that there is no time to jot the notes down, just call the SPCA, Humane Society, or your local animal shelter as quickly as possible. No one will ever have to know you reported the abuse or neglect: You can remain anonymous if you choose, but you may want to ask that your name remain confidential. That way, the investigating organization can contact you to let you know what action has been taken and to update you on the case.

“The basis of all animal rights should be the Golden Rule: we should treat them as we would wish them to treat us, were any other species in our dominant position.”
Christine Stevens

Bugsy Didn’t Deserve This

Bugsy was a chubby hamster, a birthday gift from one teenager to another. But, instead of love and affection, Bugsy was on the receiving end of a cruel experiment by two teenage girls in California. They shoved him in the microwave and turned it on, intent on seeing Bugsy run around in circles on the plate. The second time they turned the microwave on, Bugsy’s feet began to burn and to turn black.

His pain from the burns too much to bear, Bugsy chewed off three of his burned feet, leaving him with one leg to move around on.  Bugsy endured the abuse in December but was not rescued by authorities until the following March, an eternity for an injured animal with only a two year lifespan.

Bugsy is only one of many hamsters who have been abused and subsequently rescued. Often considered “pocket pets,” hamsters can be wonderful pets. Unfortunately, because they are considered pocket pets, some people view hamsters as disposable. It’s not uncommon for hamsters who are no longer wanted to simply be thrown out with the trash or let loose in the wild to fend for themselves.

Other hamsters are mistreated, not intentionally, but by children who simply do not how to handle such a small pet and who are not properly supervised by an adult when “playing” with the hamster.

Many animal shelters take in abused, neglected, and unwanted hamsters, and there are a plethora of hamster rescues across the country, making it easy to adopt a rescued hamster. But, there are some things you should know before you bring your new family member home.

Practice patience, quiet and calm: You might not know your hamster’s history, so it’s important that you’re patient with him.
Hamsters who have been traumatized or who are frightened will scream. Don’t be afraid and don’t yell at your hamster if he begins to scream. Talk to him in a calm voice to try to calm him down.

Create a safe haven: Make sure your hamster has a place or several places to hide in his cage, so he has

somewhere to go where he can feel safe. You also want to avoid using synthetic bedding in your hamster’s home because his feet and legs can easily become entangled in the bedding, causing injuries.

Be understanding: Give your hamster time to become adjusted to his new home, and stay calm if he bites you. A hamster will bite because he’s afraid, not because he wants to hurt you. A hamster who has been rescued from a home with a child who hurt him will likely be wary of being held.

Develop a relationship slowly and gently: It’s important that you have interaction with your hamster every day. You might want to start slowly by petting him then pick him up for a few minutes at a time. Do not get angry when your hamster bites. As time passes and you continue to hold him, he will learn that you’re not going to hurt him and the biting should stop.

Rehabilitating a hamster who has been through trauma is possible. Bugsy went on to live with a teacher and, by all accounts, regained his health. Just be prepared for the time and the patience that will be needed when you bring your rescued hamster home.

The girls who so cruelly and callously abused Bugsy were arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. They admitted to microwaving Bugsy but, according to a police spokesman, they don’t think they did anything wrong. Punishment could range from probation to a maximum of one year in the California Youth Authority, which is unlikely. The girls’ parents claim to have been unaware of what had happened to the hamster and it seems to me that such ignorance should also be punishable. Where were they during the months that Bugsy suffered in pain? They failed in their responsibility to teach basic human kindness to their daughters. Oh! But why would that be a surprise? After all, they completely failed Bugsy by not having enough human kindness themselves to ensure his safety and well-being.

Source of Bugsy’s case:

http://www.pet-abuse.com