Types of Neglect

Animal Collectors

A collector is a person who (with willful intent) believes he or she is "saving" animals from the streets and starvation by bringing them into his or her home. The problem begins when a collector can't say "no" to an animal, ultimately having 10 to 100 animals in a residential home. Collectors soon learn they cannot afford to feed and adequately care for the animals, and the animals suffer. Please report any suspected animal collector to animal control.

Garage

While you may think that your dog is safer in the garage than in the yard, they may suffer from isolation and, as a result, develop behavioral problems if you do not spend time with them.

Garages can be very hot during the summer months and cold in the winter.
Garages are also often storage places for tools and dangerous chemicals that could cause injury or death to a curious dog. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets but can be fatal if consumed. Should your pet ingest antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Even small amounts of antifreeze, when ingested can seriously injure a dog or cat. Check your car for seepage or leaks and when adding antifreeze to your car, use a funnel and clean up any spills. If the garage has an automatic door opener, the dog could run out into the street when the door is opened.

In a Vehicle

Leaving your pet in the car can be very dangerous. On a hot day the temperature in your car could reach 160 degrees within 10 minutes. That's hot enough to cause heat stroke.

• Within moments, your pet could sustain permanent brain damage and even die.
• Leaving the window cracked won't cool the car enough to protect your pet.
• Although you may like taking your pet with you, when the weather is warm they are better off left at home. If you must leave your pet even for a few moments, leave a source of water.

Never leave your dog alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. When the temperature dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to keep your dogs indoors, even if a dog house is provided. Short-haired dogs, puppies and cats should be kept indoors at 40 degrees or below. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats sometimes take refuge next to warm car engines or tires. To alert an animal, slap the hood of your car before starting it.

Never travel with a dog in the bed of a moving pickup truck. The dog could slide, bounce or jump out and be seriously injured or killed.

Chains

An otherwise friendly dog can become unhappy, anxious and often aggressive when continually chained. In many cases, the dog's neck will become raw from continuously yanking and straining to escape. Chains restrict the dog's movement, and the dog can become entangled around objects in the area, causing injury, or preventing him from reaching water or shelter.