Animal abuse is a crime and should be reported to authorities as soon as possible. It is important for people to keep their eyes and ears open in their communities for any possible signs of cruelty to animals. If it were not for phone calls from concerned citizens, most instances of animal abuse would go unchecked.

It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with your state's animal cruelty laws so you know when it is appropriate to involve the authorities. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of animal abuse is also helpful. Things to look for include:

• Flea or tick infestations
• Wounds
• Patches of missing hair
• Very thin animals who appear to be starving
• Limping
• Animals continually left alone without food or water
• Animals who appear injured but have not been taken to a veterinarian
• Animals kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
• Animals who cower, seem fearful, or seem aggressive when around their owners

If you witness any of these signs, or if you see someone hitting an animal or committing other acts of animal abuse, you should report it immediately.

To report animal abuse, you can call your local humane society, animal shelter, animal control agency, or your local police. Generally, you can look in your phone book's yellow pages under "animal shelter," "humane society," or "animal control." Sometimes animal control agencies may be listed under the city or county health department or police department.

When reporting animal abuse, it is a good idea to document as many details as possible. You should try to write down what you witness, who was involved, dates and times of the incidents, and where the animal abuse took place. Documenting animal cruelty with photographs or video can also be extremely helpful in prosecution of animal abusers.

Officers will investigate reports of animal abuse and determine whether a citation and chance to correct the violation will suffice, or whether the animal may need to be removed from the pet owner's home and further legal action taken. It is a good idea to remain observant about the situation and to follow up with law enforcement if you notice any change.

Get to know the pets in your neighborhood so you can recognize animal abuse if it happens. Also set a good example in your community by giving your pets the best care and the most love possible. Take action to stop animal cruelty today!