Читать книгу Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов - Страница 139

There are several reasons an individual might fail to provide veterinary treatment for an ill or injured animal. More “passive” reasons include a lack of education about or understanding of the seriousness of an animal's condition. Financial insecurity (limitations or constraints or choices) may play a part, as can a lack of transportation, language barriers, geography, and many other contributing factors that create obstacles for the animal owner. A failure to provide veterinary care can also be deliberate and with knowing disregard for an animal's suffering. It is important that the investigation sheds light on the details surrounding the owner's action or inaction in providing medication and treatment to their animal. Animal cruelty citations can result from an owner's failure to provide medical treatment to relieve pain and suffering.

When investigating cases involving the care and treatment of a sick or injured animal, the investigator will attempt to learn what, if any, treatments have been given, as well as what medications have been utilized by or prescribed to the owner to administer to the animal. By interviewing the owner and examining the medications, you can draw your own conclusions about whether the treatment, or lack of treatment, is evidence of animal cruelty.

When examining medication presented by the owner as evidence they are addressing (Figure 3.8) the animal's condition, look closely for the following:

 If prescribed, is the medication specified for the animal in question?

 Is the medication expired?

 Is there evidence the animal has been receiving the medication (number of pills missing, liquids or ointments are open and obviously have been used)?

 Are there accompanying vet records or other instructions to the owner regarding the condition and medication?

It is always a good idea to photograph the medication with the amount used and expiration date visible.

In many cases, the initial interaction with the owner will lead you to mandate that they seek veterinary care for an animal within a certain amount of time, after which you will return to confirm that the owner has followed your instructions, the animal is receiving adequate treatment, and is on the mend. Outcomes like this are ideal and demonstrate the important role of animal control and law enforcement officers as educators and community caretakers. This approach is successful in nonemergent cases, in which the officer is truly able to conduct rechecks, and the owner can provide the care and treatment recommended by the veterinarian to address the injury or condition. Some communities offer programs that provide qualifying pet owners with accessible and affordable veterinary care. In many investigations you will find that the owner wants to do the right thing for the animal but does not have the means to do so. Subsidized programs often provide the help pet owners need to care for their animals adequately, and ultimately preserve the bond between animals and owners by keeping the pet out of the shelter.

Figure 3.8 Examine medication closely for prescription information, expiration date, and evidence of use.

Source: Oregon Humane Society.