THUNDER BAY – A pet being abused has no way of calling out for help. That’s why it’s up to people to report cases where they believe animal cruelty is happening.
Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are firming up a partnership, urging people to contact Crime Stoppers in cases where they believe animal or abuse is taking place.
While people could always contact Crime Stoppers, animal cruelty or neglect isn’t something that people always think of as a crime.
Crime Stoppers board member Kelly Kutok said it’s important to raise the awareness for people to report if they are suspicious.
“Animals do not have a voice so we’re trying to be that voice, whether it’s a dog, a cat or a horse. There’s animal neglect in a lot of different facets of society,” she said at a media conference held Friday at the Thunder Pet location on Mountdale Avenue.
The partnership is being boosted by a grant from the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.
The announcement comes on the heels of nine charges laid against a local man and woman after a starving dog was found in the Picton Avenue area last month.
Kutok said the ability for people to call Crime Stoppers to report information without having to disclose their name or testify in court can help make the process less daunting.
“I think it’s very important for people to have that anonymity so they can feel free when they do suspect something is going on,” she said.
The collaboration has already proved beneficial.
“We are getting a lot more tips. It gives us a place to start looking at these calls,” OSPCA agent Jeremy Gardiner said, adding there is one case recently where criminal charges have been laid as a result of a Crime Stoppers tip.
Animal cruelty isn’t limited to intentional harm, such as striking a pet, but also can include neglect such as animals being left outside for extended periods of time in inclement weather or not being fed properly.
“Our biggest thing is to educate first and then if they don’t comply with those requests or orders we can lay charges afterwards,” Gardiner said.
Anybody who believes they are aware of a case of animal abuse or cruelty can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
