Special to the Aroostook Republican
If you see orange this month, it is because April is “Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month” supporting the ASPCA and their efforts to prevent animal cruelty. Working closely with organizations such as the ASPCA, the Central Aroostook Humane Society is encouraging you to “Go Orange” in your own way. If you are a local business and want to show your support during April in preventing animal cruelty, I encourage you to hang orange lights in your windows and put a penny jar in your store with the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s name on it. It is amazing how pennies add up! This is the time when we pledge our commitment to preventing animal cruelty. It may be as simple as buying a bag of dog food or cat litter for your local shelter or reporting a dog in need. It could also be as complex as having your own fund-raiser for your local shelter. Every bit helps us to provide a warm, safe environment for the unwanted animals of our area.
What can you do?
• Be aware of the animals you encounter every day. Is a dog wet and cold, without shelter or has it lost lots of weight? It is up to us to be the voice of the voiceless. Report suspected abuse to your local animal control agent or police department;
• Learn to recognize animal cruelty. The ASPCA gives the following things to look for: flea or tick infestation; wounds on the body; patches of missing hair; extremely thin or starving animals; limping; owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal; dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food, water or shelter, often chained in the yard; dogs who have been hit by cars or injured not being taken to the veterinarian; animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners;
• Know who to call to report animal cruelty;
• Provide as much information as possible when reporting animal cruelty;
• Call or write your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating animal cruelty should be a priority. Animal cruelty is a crime and the police must investigate these crimes;
• Know your state’s animal cruelty laws, visit www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw/downloads.html;
• Support the passing of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels;
• Set a good example for others;
• Talk to your children about how to treat animals with respect and kindness; and
• Support your local shelter or animal rescue organizations.
Last weekend’s annual spring craft fair at the Forum was so awesome yet again this year, we collected many donations and spoke to so many animal lovers who wanted to share their stories with us. It is amazing to hear of animals adopted three to five years ago (some even more) that I remember being at the shelter. It is great to hear that they are doing well and are in loving homes. All the happy-ending stories are what keep us going, so keep ‘em coming, we love to hear them.
Currently we are looking for the following donations: cat littler, laundry detergent, dry cat food, dry dog food, gift certificates to the local veterinarians, gift certificates to Walmart or Kmart, monetary donations, bleach, office supplies, cat toys and dog toys.
Your time is also much appreciated; we could always use dog walkers. An exercised dog is a happy dog and most behavior problems can be solved with adequate exercise. If you have time to spare, please come up to the Central Aroostook Humane Society and walk a dog.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please consider adoption as your first option and visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
And remember, Go Orange!
