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April: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Written by: Arizona Humane Society

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and Desh is just one of thousands of pets who have been rescued by AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs) after having been subjected to neglect and abandonment.

Desh, a 3-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, was left abandoned in a backyard without food or water. The property owner found him chained up after the tenant had moved out. He was extremely thin and malnourished with the right side of his face swollen from wounds. Fortunately, she called AHS’ EAMTs for help and Desh was transported to AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital for the care he needed.

Desh’s happy ending would not be possible without the support of our local law enforcement partners who share in our committment to helping animals in need.

Common signs of animal abuse or cruelty include:

Open sores or cuts on the animal’s body
Animal has bruising, bleeding or other apparent injury to his/her anus and/or genital regions
Patches of missing fur
Tick or flea infestation
Extremely thin body
Limping/inability to walk
Witness an owner hitting or beating an animal
Dogs repeatedly left alone (possibly chained) outside without food, water or shelter
Dogs kept outside during extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, etc. with no shelter
A house with an excessive amount of cats
Cowering in fear or acting aggressively (especially when approached by the owner)
Pets left in parked cars (during hot weather)

AHS responds to animal emergencies involving sick and injured stray animals in Maricopa County. (Please note that Mesa, Surprise, Avondale and Peoria utilize their own Animal Control services within their cities).

For cases of suspected animal cruelty, AHS partners with local law enforcement in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.