By Melanie Townsend

Every year, more than 10 million animals die from abuse and neglect in the U.S.

Every day Webster Parish Animal Control officer, David Robinson, others in the sheriff’s department and LaMa Animal Rescue, answer calls for animal abuse and neglect. This is a reflection of the humanity and heart of our community. 

Louisiana animal cruelty laws are often not fully understood or even looked at by animal owners.  Simply put, owners of an animal, whether domestic such as a dog or cat, or livestock, horses, cattle, goats and sheep, are required by law to provide food, water, shelter, preventative and general veterinarian care. Failure to meet all of these needs is considered abuse or neglect and can lead to prosecution. In many parishes, tethering for longer than four hours is also illegal.  Penalties can be $650 plus court cost per charge, per animal. Initially, the offender can be warned and given the time to correct the situation, the second call will result in a ticket, but if the officer deems an animal is in distress or dire danger, charges can be brought immediately. 

These are basic needs that all animals should have and if you chose to own an animal you should want more than just the bare minimum to sustain life. Animals are living, breathing, feeling beings. For anyone who does not believe they feel deeply, you need only to look into their eyes when they are scared, hungry, abandoned or when their babies or mates are taken away from them.  Failure to see and recognize that, is only an echo of a cold heart and a heartless society. 

Owning an animal is a privilege and a responsibility whether it’s a dog, cat or livestock. The first responsibility is knowing and understanding the needs of each specific animal and breed. Puppies, kittens and ponies are cute when little, but they all have different needs and requirements to care for them over their lifetime. In comparison, their life is much shorter than humans, please consider this is at least as 10-to-15-year commitment to provide the animal with better than the minimum care.  Animals don’t have the ability to choose their owners and most give unconditional love even when not treated well. 

It is extremely important to educate yourself prior to getting a pet or livestock. Some have needs beyond the common sense of food, water and shelter. For instance, if owning a donkey, knowing they need salt in their diet, how much and in what form, is crucial for them living a healthy life and can even result in death.  Take time to research and educate yourself on the specific needs, traits and requirements before you chose to adopt or purchase any animal.

Education and training are essential in preventing abuse and neglect. There are many diseases that animals are faced with that either didn’t exist years ago or that can be prevented by knowing and understanding the species and breed. Rabies vaccinations are not only recommended but required by state law for dogs. Knowing and understanding the cost of animal ownership is also extremely important. Consider not just the cost of food but yearly vaccinations. 

Webster Parish, and all of Louisiana, is over-loaded with unwanted, abandoned and abused animals. The issue is both a financial burden and a moral dilemma for those who do not turn a blind eye.  While some may find it easy to walk by and not notice the hopeful, hungry eyes, or the ones trying to keep warm in the cold weather, or the ones healing from injuries or illness that was dealt to them, there is a circle of morally compassionate people who do what they can to show them human kindness.  Some times this is the first time they have been given care and concern.  

There are many different view points on spay and neuter for cats and dogs, but the levity of choosing not to do this, impacts more than just that particular animal. It does impact their life especially if left to find food and survive the elements, but it also impacts law enforcement time and attention, it impacts those trying to do the right thing for each animal and the many babies they will have. It impacts community resources, as well as the perception of a community on visitors and businesses. Imagine visiting a new city or town and seeing 700 to 800 neglected and abandoned animals roaming the streets. Without the hard work and dedication of rescuers, like LaMa Animal Rescue, and law enforcement, that is exactly what our community would look like. Spay and neuter is the most effective way to drastically change the overwhelming number of unwanted and neglected animals.  There are programs and assistance for vaccinations, spay and neuter, for those that cannot afford or may have encountered financial difficulty. Doing nothing is neglect! 

There are many different agencies that can offer assistance, education and advice such as the Branding Commission, the USDA, Animal control, Foster and Rescue groups, such as LaMa Animal rescue in Webster Parish. It is also exceedingly important to report and document abuse and neglect when you see it. We are their own voice and if you see it, report it! 

As a member of this community, parish or a member of humanity, it is up to each of us to either be a part of the problem or the solution. Whether it is getting involved as a foster, in fundraising projects, helping to educate and find resources for those who need it, reporting abuse and neglect, donate money or goods, push politicians and public officials to hold abusers accountable, get your pets spayed or neutered, TAKE A STAND! Don’t let it be someone else’s problem and don’t let another animal suffer and wait for someone to care. 

• Every 60 seconds an animal suffers abuse 
• Close to 65% of all abused animals are dogs.
• Every year, more than 10 million animals die from abuse in the US alone.
• Over 100,000 horses in the US are killed for human consumption.
• On average, 250,000 animals every year are victims of animal hoarding
• There are over 10,000 puppy mills in the United States
• In 2023, LaMa Animal Rescue saved and transported over 850 animals from our local community to give them a better life. Those are the ones that are lucky enough to be saved!
• Approximately 71% of people who are reported for domestic violence also abuse their pets. Animal cruelty statistics show a clear correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse. 

LaMa Animal Rescue offers assistance with vaccines, spay/neuter, and pet education. With cold temperatures on the way, those in need of blankets or bedding for winterizing shelters can also contact LaMa for support.  Please visit out website LaMaAnimalRescue.org or our Facebook page for assistance or to help become a part of the solution. 

Take Action, get involved! Reach out to local officials or to LaMa Animal Rescue to be a part of positive change. There are so many waiting and hoping someone will save them from hunger and abuse. Each life touched has a ripple effect, kindness multiplies goodness in a community!