Those who abuse dogs will often abuse women and children, and this is just one of the reasons that steps should be taken to prevent the abuse of dogs. The public must demand that lawmakers initiate laws to criminalize the abuse of animals in order to deter this behavior. Like humans, dogs deserve to be protected from abuse. But what should you do if you think that an animal is being abused? How do you know if an animal IS being abused? Here are some signs to look for:

*Underweight: This sort of abuse is common and means that a dog is being underfed or neglected. An underweight dog might also have a parasitic illness which should be treated immediately.

*Looks sickly or in pain: Whining, matted or sickly eyes, limping or flinching could be signs that a dog needs medical attention. A responsible owner would seek medical attention for his/her pet.

*Witnessing a beating by an owner: There are better and more successful ways to motivate a dog to do what you want. Violence should not be used.

*Involved in dog fighting: Dogs forced to take part in dog fighting will have multiple injuries such as cut ears and many scars. Often, these dogs are aggressive to other dogs and even people. If you suspect that someone is fighting a dog, it should be reported to the authorities.

Sometimes it is difficult to get involved. You might think it is none of your business to report suspected abuse, but you are wrong. If you report abuse, you might not just be saving a dog; you might be saving a woman or child, too.