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We
assist with investigations into cruelty and neglect of both large and
small animals. We prefer to educate but have successfully prosecuted
when necessary. Every animal has the right to food, water and shelter.
How
to Report Animal Cruelty
If
you suspect animal cruelty, please call the Musselshell County Sheriff's
Department (406-323-1402) and notify them of your concerns (the Sheriff
is the acting Humane Officer in this county). All calls to the Sheriff
are kept strictly confidential. They will, in turn, send a Deputy to
the residence and evaluate the situation. If neglect is apparent, a
citation will be written. A re-check will occur and if the owners are
still in violation, appropriate action will be taken. The Deputy or
Sheriff will call us in as a consultant, if the animal needs to be removed
from the situation or if the owner is open to education in regards to
responsible pet ownership.
Detecting
Animal Cruelty - What to Look For
Detecting and reporting animal cruelty
are the two most important steps in bringing animal cruelty to an end.
But how do you know what constitutes abuse and how do you know what
to look for?
These tips can help in detecting
intentional (murdering, maiming, torturing) and negligent (starving,
etc.) abuse:
W
- Weight
Does the animal look thin or emaciated?
A
- Age
Is the animal very old or very young?
T
- Temperature
Is the animal outside longer than a 2-hour period in
less than 10 degrees F (longhaired) or 32 degrees F (shorthaired) in
winter?
Is the animal without shade in summer?
Is the animal locked in an unventilated car with temperatures around
or above 70 degrees F?
C
- Condition
Does the animal have water? Is the animal fed once a
day?
Is the collar too tight? Is the chain too short?
Is their cage so small that they can't stand up, turn around, and lie
down?
Is the animal's living area unsanitary?
Has the animal been abandoned? (no footprints leading to animal, etc.)
H
- Health
Is the animal sick, injured, lethargic,
or distressed?
If
you answered "Yes" to any ONE of these questions when observing
an animal, you should notify the Musselshell County Sheriff's Department
(406-323-1402) with the EXACT ADDRESS of where the animal is located.
Since our court system relies on tangible evidence to successfully prosecute
these cases, we recommend, when safe to do so, to get photos, videos,
or samples of abuse at the time it is committed.
Copyright
© 2003-2006 Rimrock Humane Society
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