Animal cruelty comes in many forms and is more common than we want to believe. It can be seen in such diverse ways as physical abuse, neglect of basic care, abandonment, dog fighting, and animal hoarding. It can be as blatant and evil as intentionally hurting or torturing an animal, or as a result of ignorance and pet owners never learning the basic needs or proper care of an animal.
Magnolia was left in the woods to die
Recently, a beautiful German Shepherd was rescued from certain death when kids playing in the woods found her tied to a tree. The collar around her neck was embedded into her skin and she was weak from lack of food and water. The kids alerted their parents, who immediately called Aiken County Animal Enforcement. Officer Patrick Miller brought the injured Shepherd to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where she could be cared for and treated for her deep neck wounds.
The shelter’s veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Levy, had to surgically remove dead tissue to close the deep gash in her neck. The sweet dog was named Magnolia and quickly became a staff favorite. As soon as she was healthy enough, Magnolia was moved to the adoption floor. She was adopted to a young Smyrna, GA woman who drove 185 miles to get her.
“We go on a lot of walks and Magnolia likes to just chill and cuddle when we’re home,” said Rachel Zeisel. “She’s my girl.”
Lois arrived too weak to walk
A starving, seven-year-old hound mix was rescued by Animal Enforcement Officer Mark Graham. He had to carry her into his truck because she was so weak. She had so little muscle in her hip muscles due to lack of nutrition and exercise, she could not walk on her own. Based on pressure sores on her body, this poor dog was likely chained and slept on concrete.
The staff named her Lois and started her on a diet of at least three meals per day. She now has a soft bed in her kennel and is able to stand on her own. Lois is making great progress. But the wounds from her abuse are still healing, so she’s not quite ready for adoption.
If you see animal neglect or abuse, call the authorities
If you see something, say something. Call your local animal control agency as soon as possible if you witness suspected cruelty to animals. If you live in Aiken, call (803) 502.9000, extension 3704. Or email enforcement@aikencountysc.gov.
Document the case as well as you can with dates, times, specific details and, if possible, video footage and photographs from a cell phone. All of these things can help appropriate agencies during an investigation they do of the suspected cruelty.
Their lives are in our hands.
— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director
