What Should You Do if You See Animal Cruelty? LifeLine Animal Project has the Answer

One of the saddest things we see at LifeLine Animal Project are animal victims of cruelty that come into our shelters. Many people are afraid to report cruelty, because they are worried about the abuser finding out they reported them and retaliating. However, abuse may be reported anonymously, and in addition to preventing the animal from a lifetime of suffering, reporting animal abuse may help prevent people from getting hurt.

Did you know that most animal abusers go on to hurt people? Up to 71% of domestic violence victims report that their abuser has threatened, harmed, or killed their pets, and this is just one more reason to report animal abuse.

Under the Georgia Animal Protection Act, Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty applies to any person who causes death or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering to any animal by an act, an omission or willful neglect or abandonment. This crime is punishable by up to one year in jail when convicted.

Felony Animal Cruelty applies to anyone who causes death or physical harm to or disfigures an animal and is punishable by up to five years in jail when convicted and a fine of up to $5000. Dog fighting is also a felony and carries a mandatory fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison.

To report animal cruelty in DeKalb County, please call 404-294-2996, ext. 2. Chaining a dog is also illegal in DeKalb County and should be reported. When you report animal cruelty, you may remain anonymous, the animal will receive medical attention by a veterinarian and one less animal will continue to suffer.

LifeLine’s DeKalb County Pets of the Week:  Junior and Nylah

Both of our Pets of the Week below qualify for our “Home for the Pawlidays” special, where all dogs over 25 lbs. and all cats may be adopted for free!

Our first Pet of the Week, is a sweet, one-year-old boy who has experienced some neglect, but is now learning to overcome his shyness at the shelter. Meet Junior, a little guy who was picked up after he chewed through the heavy cord that kept him tied up. When he first came in, he was scared of people, but our wonderful shelter staff has been working their magic on him, and he will now come up to employees and give them little kisses. Junior has also learned to enjoy toys, and loves to bring them into his crate and play with them. He also loves other dogs.

Our next Pet of the Week is Nylah, a pretty, gentle and cuddly girl who has a wonderful personality. This sweet, and super friendly girl is a staff favorite, so we can’t understand why Nylah hasn’t been adopted yet. Nylah loves exploring the play yards, lying outside in the sun, playing with other dogs and cuddling with the staff.

Come meet Junior or Nylah today and adopt them for no charge, including their spay/neuter, vaccines and microchip! Simply drop by the shelter at 845 Camp Road in Decatur, email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165. , email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165. To view other pets available for adoption, please drop by the shelter or visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com.