The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
There are many forms of animal cruelty, ranging from neglect to malicious torture and killing. Neglect can often be resolved through education of the animal owner or caretaker. Sometimes cruelty to animals is more deliberate and could involve torture, mutilation, maiming or brutally killing an animal. There is a very direct link between cruelty to animals and human violence. Cruelty to animals is a widely recognized warning sign that a child may require help to prevent further violent acts. Cruelty to animals is also a sign that other forms of abuse are happening in the home. Family pets are often targets in domestic violence and threats of violence are often used as a means of control by an abusive family member. It is unfortunate that many victims of domestic violence remain in an abusive situation out of concern for the safety of their pets. Animal cruelty should be taken very seriously. First of all, animals are beings that suffer and feel pain. Pet owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets' needs are met and to minimize any suffering they may experience. Families that allow pet abuse to happen are dysfunctional and family violence will follow. It can take the form of child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse. Parents have the responsibility to teach their children that animal abuse is not acceptable. Without intervention children who abuse animals may be more likely to take part in bullying, vandalism and other anti-social behaviours that may escalate to serious violence in later life. Children who report witnessing these types of violence should be listened to by teachers and authority figures. Social service agencies, the RCMP as well as the SPCA should be informed so that steps can be taken. Often when animal abuse is reported, investigation uncovers other forms of abuse happening in the home. An abused spouse or child often finds it easier to report the animal abuse rather that the mistreatment of themselves. Animal abuse does take place in our community. Our shelter is full of dogs and cats each with its own story to tell. Case of Pearl Usually it is one of neglect and such is the case of Pearl, who is a sweet little white cat recently rescued from the Main Street area of Flin Flon. Pearl was found with a collar around her neck and her front leg had become caught into the collar as well. The result was weeks of pain for Pearl as she endured the pain of the collar as it slowly eroded the soft tissue of her underarm. Eventually, had it not been for intervention on the part of SPCA staff, the collar would have become embedded into her underarm. Not only was Pearl in pain, she was starving and pregnant. Today she is well on her way to recovery. The wound had to be surgically repaired resulting in a road trip to The Pas for vet care for Pearl. She has been spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped as well. It is interesting to note that only one per cent of cats that enter our shelter are ever claimed by their owner _ how is that for neglect? Pearl is now well enough to be placed in a permanent home and she is hoping to see you this Saturday, Oct. 26th when Flin Flon, Creighton and Area SPCA celebrates its first anniversary between from 1-4 p.m. This will take place at our shelter off the Perimetre Highway. Come out and celebrate with us, meet the dogs and cats who are up for adoption and enjoy a barbecue, cake and cookies and drinks. We will be offering special discounts on pets adopted on the 26th. You will find us out on the streets this Friday, Oct. 25 holding our annual Tag Day. Watch for Sozo that day, one of our very special dogs up for adoption as he hits the streets looking for a Forever Friend! Remember that animal abuse is everybody's business _ please do your part by spaying or neutering your pet.
