NJSPCA Fights Neglect and Cruelty
Kori Holcomb
Issue date: 10/23/06 Section: Opinion
Recently I attended a motorcycle event at the Sussex Skyhawks Ballpark. Among many vendors and fundraisers was the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) booth.
I was approached by an officer who was giving his time to help raise money for this organization. He explained that all of the funds raised would go directly to the organization, not into his paycheck. According to the officer, the NJSPCA is a not-for-profit organization that receives no money from the state. Therefore, raising money directly from the people was the best way to help save animals that are victims or neglect and cruelty.
As he pitched his story, I viewed a book full of pictures taken directly from the scenes that the officers responded to. The photos were very graphic, disturbing, and
heart wrenching.
There are two types of animal cruelty that the NJSPCA responds to--neglect and intentional cruelty. Failure to provide food, water, and shelter constitutes neglect. Beating, poisoning, dogfighting, or cockfighting are examples of intentional
cruelty.
A few extra steps can prevent accidents from happening. Although it may be accidental, animal cruelty is still punishable by the law.
For example, the NJSPCA recommends the following:
--never let a pet run loose and always make sure the pet wears an ID tag
--never lock a pet in a car, it can be dangerous and even fatal especially when it is hot outside (temperatures in a vehicle can reach nearly 120 degrees very quickly)
--always provide a pet with the proper amount of food and water and sufficient shelter.
The NJSPCA encourages people to report animal abuse even if they are just suspicious of anyone putting animals in danger. NJSPCA officers investigate every phone call they receive.
Those found guilty can be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a six months prison sentence.
Animal cruelty is not something to take lightly. The law stands behind its officers. Individuals aware of those committing acts of animal cruelty are urged to contact the NJSPCA at (800) 582-5979. The NJSPCA also has a user-friendly website at www.NJSPCA.org
I was approached by an officer who was giving his time to help raise money for this organization. He explained that all of the funds raised would go directly to the organization, not into his paycheck. According to the officer, the NJSPCA is a not-for-profit organization that receives no money from the state. Therefore, raising money directly from the people was the best way to help save animals that are victims or neglect and cruelty.
As he pitched his story, I viewed a book full of pictures taken directly from the scenes that the officers responded to. The photos were very graphic, disturbing, and
heart wrenching.
There are two types of animal cruelty that the NJSPCA responds to--neglect and intentional cruelty. Failure to provide food, water, and shelter constitutes neglect. Beating, poisoning, dogfighting, or cockfighting are examples of intentional
cruelty.
A few extra steps can prevent accidents from happening. Although it may be accidental, animal cruelty is still punishable by the law.
For example, the NJSPCA recommends the following:
--never let a pet run loose and always make sure the pet wears an ID tag
--never lock a pet in a car, it can be dangerous and even fatal especially when it is hot outside (temperatures in a vehicle can reach nearly 120 degrees very quickly)
--always provide a pet with the proper amount of food and water and sufficient shelter.
The NJSPCA encourages people to report animal abuse even if they are just suspicious of anyone putting animals in danger. NJSPCA officers investigate every phone call they receive.
Those found guilty can be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a six months prison sentence.
Animal cruelty is not something to take lightly. The law stands behind its officers. Individuals aware of those committing acts of animal cruelty are urged to contact the NJSPCA at (800) 582-5979. The NJSPCA also has a user-friendly website at www.NJSPCA.org
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Corporal Al Peterson
NJSPCA Corporal Al Peterson
posted 8/29/08 @ 10:40 AM EST
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and deepest thanks to Sussex County Community College (The College Hill) correspondent Kori Holcomb for the excellent and professional coverage of my agency, the NJ State SPCA Humane Police, at the recent Motorcycle event at the Sussex Skyhawks Ball Park. (Continued…)
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