Written by Michelle Kretzer
They spent their days relegated to a carport, cast aside like old exercise equipment. The two dogs were locked inside crates from early in the morning until dusk without a chance to relieve themselves and no way to escape from the blistering Southern summer heat. The Labrador mix did not even have room to stand up.
A neighbor who had to watch the dogs suffer had tried calling animal control for help. And although officers went to the home and issued a warning, they refused to confiscate the dogs because the animals did not appear to be in immediate danger of dying from dehydration or heatstroke. Frustrated, the neighbor called PETA for help.
We called animal control every few days to file an animal welfare complaint against the owner. Each time animal control paid a visit to the house, officers issued the owner another warning. Realizing that he would either have to allow his dogs indoors or continually deal with animal control, the owner surrendered both dogs to the local shelter.
It took a lot of persistence, but now both dogs have a chance to find a new home with a guardian who understands that dogs belong indoors with the rest of the family.
PETA has a wealth of information on how crating is detrimental to dogs, which you can share with anyone you know who is considering using these cruel cages (for even a short length of time).
Written by Jeff Mackey
Is the normally docile Fido suddenly starting to act hostile when you handle him? A new study may explain why: Dogs may become more aggressive when they're in pain.
GIANTsqurl|cc by 2.0
The researchers looked at dogs who had abruptly attacked their guardians and discovered that, in each case, the aggressive behavior was caused by pain. Many of the dogs were suffering from the onset of hip dysplasia, an often-crippling disease common in many purebred dogs. (Thanks for nothing, breeders!)
A number of factors—including continuous chaining or crating—can cause dogs to become aggressive. But if Fido suddenly turns fierce when you touch him, an immediate trip to the veterinarian is in order—for your sake and his.
If you have a general question for PETA and would like a response, please e-mail Info@peta.org. If you need to report cruelty to an animal, please click here. If you are reporting an animal in imminent danger and know where to find the animal and if the abuse is taking place right now, please call your local police department. If the police are unresponsive, please call PETA immediately at 757-622-7382 and press 2.
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