Signs of pet neglect can go unnoticed by neighbours and friends, but animals can’t speak for themselves and must rely on us to help, says Aarthi Sankar of SPCA Singapore.
Signs of animal neglect can go easily unnoticed since it may not always leave visible marks and animals cannot express their distress. Imagine that you hear your neighbour’s dog whining loudly for hours on end. Or you see a pet cat caged up for days in the common corridor. What would you do - speak to your neighbour, or report it to the authorities?in a flat devoid of food and water.
In other cases, psychological issues lead people to compulsively hoard pets, eventually overwhelming their ability to provide proper care.On the surface, neglect might appear less severe than overt acts of animal cruelty, but its impacts are profoundly distressing. Neglect leads to prolonged suffering and can result in permanent harm or even death.
Often, animal neglect can indicate broader issues within a household, such as the neglect of other dependents like children or the elderly. It can also arise from a significant shift in financial or living conditions. While the instinct may be to immediately report such cases to the SPCA or authorities, there are situations where a more nuanced approach could be more beneficial.
When it comes to posting on social media about suspected neglect, one must consider the potential impact on the animal's welfare. While it might seem like a quick way to raise awareness and prompt action, public shaming can have several negative consequences that may ultimately make the situation worse.
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