Questions - Continued

Question: Animal Cruelty & Injured Pets - Questions From A California Dog Owner

“I am aware of two possible cases of animal cruelty involving dogs. The dogs have been mistreated by kicking, beating, under-feeding, etc. I am a true dog lover and this is very upsetting to me. What action can I take to help these poor dogs? I have been told by a friend that the Humane Society might not be of much help in this situation, and if they were, the steps they would take would be similar steps to what the dog pound would do. If that is the case, I do not believe the dogs would be much better off.”

“My second question is about injured animals. Is there anything I can do when I see an injured animal on the road? I have been told by friends that the city pound usually does not treat injured dogs and cats so I am not interested in calling them.”

Answer:

In the past, a spokesperson from the San Diego County Human Society and S.P.C.A. Commented to these questions with the following quote:

“Humane Societies within the state of California are autonomous organizations, and have no connection with each other, other than most of the major societies in the state belong to the California State Humane Association.”

They go on to say:

“Unless this person had unfortunate experiences with their local Humane Society, I feel it is unfair to presume that they 'might not be of much help in this situation'. All major humane societies in California have State Humane Officers who are sworn to uphold the laws of the State of California relative to cruelty, and these officers are the logical people to accept and investigate any complaints regarding cruelty to any animal.”

And in response to the second question, the spokesperson explains:

“Relative to the second question concerning injured animals: Section 597f of the Penal Code clearly states that, 'It shall be the duty of all officers of pounds or humane societies, and animal regulation departments of public agencies to convey, and for police and sheriff's departments, to cause to be conveyed all injured cats and dogs found without their owners in a public place directly to a veterinarian.'”

“So regardless of what rumors you may have heard, it is perhaps unfair to again assume that the city pound or Humane Society in your area, or any other city for that matter, would fail to treat an injured dog or cat, and until you first-hand knowledge in this matter I think is best that you call for their assistance.”

It is probably safe to assume that the same information is relevant regardless of what state you live in.