In our last post under this title, we discussed some of the legal responsibilities a pet owner/guardian has to abide by. We're going to continue that discussion here. We believe that it's important to remember that legally speaking - you have a responsibility to your family, your pet and your community. The consequences endured may not only affect you... they can cause unnecessary suffering to your pet or a potential health risk to your neighbors and family.
What do you do when your pet becomes ill or injured? If you choose not to provide care, or simply can't afford care, can that become a legal issue? Many assume that it is not - after all isn't it "your" business as to how you do or do not provide care for your pet? In actuality, most states and townships have laws in place to protect companion animals from neglect and cruelty and they are getting more and more proactive in enforcing those laws. Untreated injuries and or diseases that cause unnecessary suffering are more frequently being classified as neglect/cruelty.
The question your local Animal Control Officer has to answer is... does the condition left untreated qualify as neglect and/or cruelty? Often, their litmus test is simple - does the animal appear to be in imminent danger of dying? As a pet owner/guardian - you have to know the difference. Wounds that are left untreated and become infected will likely and eventually qualify as neglect. Disease that is left untreated for long periods of time will likely and eventually qualify as neglect.
A partial list of diseases that left untreated can cause immense pain and suffering, and could potentially get you in trouble with the law are:
1. Mange - whether demodex or sarcoptic. Both can make your pet extremely sick. Both are very curable when diagnosed and treated. And, there are many low-cost options for treatment as well.
2. Heartworms - in the early stages of heartworm disease, your pet will likely not exhibit any outward symptoms. But as the disease progresses, he/she will bloat, have difficulty breathing and become quite lethargic. Again, treatment is reasonably priced.
3. Open wounds - dogs bite each other. Dogs injure themselves. We are not suggesting that you rush them to the ER Clinic every time they get hurt. However, a wound that is left without treatment and subsequently becomes infected can be viewed as neglect/cruelty.
4. Diabetes - a diabetic pet needs insulin, just as we humans do. Without treatment, your pet can slip into a diabetic coma or simply waste away. Either situation can be considered neglect/cruelty.
5. An injury or disease in the mouth that precludes the pet's ability to eat. Without nourishment, your pet will eventually die. Periodontal disease (gum disease), abscesses that interfere with your pet's ability to eat and injuries to the mouth can all be viewed as neglect/cruelty if left without treatment.
As we said, this is a partial list. And, all of the injuries/illnesses we've listed are treatable. Costs to treat these conditions range from extremely inexpensive ($4/month for antibiotics to treat infection) to more expensive (about $750 to treat heartworms). The important thing to note - if you fail to provide medical treatment to your pet, you may get into some legal trouble - you may be charged with neglect or cruelty.
The best test to determine potential legal liability - ask your doctor. If you can treat the pet at home because funds are an issue (or you simply prefer more homeopathic remedies), your doctor will tell you and provide instructions. If not, the cost of treatment will likely be a one-time expense and in most cases your doctor can help you understand all of the options for preventative care, so you avoid making the same mistake twice.
No comments:
Post a Comment