Clark Kent yesterday afternoon
I would like to say that Clark Kent’s story is unique. I would like to say that all people feel that their pets are their family members, and that they are all treated as such. I know not everyone can afford top-notch veterinary care for their pets, but I would like to think that people would provide whatever care was within their means for their pets.
I would like to believe these things, but I don’t.
After doing rescue for years, I’ve come to believe that many people don’t value the lives of animals at all. How else could someone adopt a pet, only to toss them out when they grow bored with them, or they become sick or old, or because they’re moving, or any number of other excuses? I’ve heard them all, and they only serve to make me sad: for the animals, yes, but also for the people who care so little about life they feel ok about tossing it away.
What can I do to help prevent animal neglect and abuse?
The number one thing anyone can do to prevent animal cruelty is to educate those around you. Someone taught Clark Kent’s former owners that tossing him out to fend for himself was ok; they certainly didn’t feel they’d done anything out of the ordinary. They weren’t upset to hear their cat was found dying in a drainage ditch on a busy street on a cold, rainy day; to them, he was “just a cat” and therefore, replaceable.
Bruce Wayne, who had chemical burns on his neck when he was turned in to a local shelter
If you have children, teach them to respect animals. If you know children, please do the same. Dog owners have many opportunities to educate people about pets; every time you walk your dog, the way you treat the dog and the interactions you have with people can impact their perceptions of what a pet is and how they should be treated. Taking a moment to stop and talk to someone about your pet could change their perception profoundly, and potentially change the life of an animal.
If you want to help abused or neglected animals, volunteer for a local shelter or rescue group. There are many ways you can volunteer your time, from socializing rescue animals and walking dogs to taking photographs to get the word out, or even becoming a “pen pal,” and blogging about a specific animal’s story.
There are many other ways to become an ambassador for animals. Take a few moments to read the ASPCA’s Top 10 Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty for more ways to become involved in making the world a better place for animals.
What do I do if I witness or suspect animal neglect or abuse?
Clark Kent after a blood transfusion and several bowls of food
If you suspect animal neglect or abuse, please don’t hesitate to call the PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement team (if you’re in Philadelphia) to report it. Provide as much information as you can during your call: know the address, describe the animal’s situation in as much detail as you can, and describe who was involved to the best of your ability.
The team at The Cat Doctor are very hopeful that Clark Kent will pull through, but he’s not out of the woods yet. If he makes it, our promise to him is that the rest of his life will be happy and full of love. The response his story has garnered–messages of love and donations for his care from around the world–has helped me realize that for all the people out there who don’t place any value on life, there are hundreds of others willing to help save a life they’ve only read about. Thank you to everyone who sent donations and messages of love to this guy. You’ve reminded me that there are wonderful, caring people in the world value this guy’s life and care unconditionally.
