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This week is the Humane Society’s Be Kind to Animals Week, so for the next few articles I’m going to share details and tips on responsible pet ownership. Or in today’s case, acknowledge some great animal rights workers.
When I first started writing the pet blog, my husband joked that I could create a monthly column entitled “Reasons Why Angela Isn’t Allowed to Watch Animal Planet.” He said that because, on occasion, I get worked up watching the channel.
In particular, the show I should really never let myself watch is Animal Cops. There’s a smattering of these series now, almost as many of them as there are CSI’s. But the one I first discovered back in high school was the original: Animal Cops New York City.
The show revolves around a camera crew following officers from the Animal Control department responding to reports they receive about animal abuse and neglect. It can be vindicating at times to watch people who abuse or neglect their pets face legal repercussions for their transgressions.
However, despite the joy I sometimes feel at watching people get their comeuppance for not taking care of or hurting their pets, that benefit is far outweighed by how upset I get seeing pets hurt and malnourished.
When I was younger, watching the show at home with my parents, I used to get so vocally upset I sounded like a football fan watching their favorite team lose the Super Bowl. Nowadays, even though I know better, I still sometimes put it on. I usually have to turn it off again in a few minutes and console myself by clinging to my dog or cat.
At first I wanted to join the pet cop ranks, deal out justice to those who hurt the animals in their protection. I realized, however, that I don’t have the self-control to deal with people like that in a calm and professional manner.
I understand that in some cases, particularly those of neglect, are a bit more complicated than that. Hoarders with 30 or 40 cats often have other problems for which they need help, or a family neglecting to take their pet to the vet might be doing so because it’s a choice between that or taking their kids to the doctor.
In those cases the pet cops are doing yet another great service, as they are often able to get help for the people they encounter as well, if help is needed. So in honor of Be Kind to Animals week, I’d like to extend my thanks to the men and women who work in animal control departments, particularly those who help remove animals from unhealthy homes.
Related Articles:
Can Animal Planet Scare Your Pet?
Animal Abuse: Chaining Is Unsafe for Everyone
Dogs and Toddlers: The Uncanny Similarities
Maine Legislation Protects Abused Pets
*(This image by Anosmia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
