The effects of animal neglect

In the state of Arizona, committing a crime of animal cruelty can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

This can include the abandonment or abuse of pets.

In the span of just one year, the Humane Society of Yuma takes in over 8,000 animals.

Each of those animals costs the shelter about $300.

Though some animals can recover from some forms of abuse, others are not so lucky.

In two separate cases, two dogs were recently received in a highly distressed and serious condition from the Somerton area.

In the first case this past December, an American Pit Bull Terrier was picked up by Cocopah Animal Control Officers.

This particular was in extremely poor condition.

Emaciated, dehydrated, showing signs of pain, swollen eyes, bloody and a fractured leg.

These are the tell-tale signs of a dog that has been neglected and abused.

One of the hardest decisions that must be made by the shelter is to humanely euthanize an animal.

In this case, they had to make that decision.

“That dog had been tied up severely neglected had leg injuries that were beyond repair when he was to us there was no life left in him it would’ve been inhumane for us to try and keep him alive it was a very sad very depressing and frustrating case,” said Annette Lagunas, Executive Director for the Humane Society.

Though this situation is devastating, there are pets who can be saved.

Pets like Hobo.

“Hobo was originally adopted from us in November 2016, he is such a sweet dog, unfortunately when hobo was rescued he was at a house that had been abandoned. When he was picked up, he weighed 37 pounds. You could see every bone on Hobo,” Lagunas said.

In January, Hobo was returned to the shelter after having been adopted in November of 2016.

He came back into the shelter’s care almost unrecognizable.

Once a happy energetic dog, Hobo now had a brownish coat, weighing 13 pounds lighter and pale gums.

Now back to good health, having been restored to his normal weight of 50 pounds and a tail that never stops wagging, the shelter wants people to know about the seriousness of animal neglect through Hobo’s story.

If you are someone who is tempted to leave an animal behind, there are other ways to humanely assure your pet is in good hands.

Animal abandonment and neglect are illegal and chargeable offenses.

“When your animal has an injury, you are required to get medical treatment for that animal,” Lagunas said.

This is why the shelter wants to encourage owners to do the right thing for their pet.

If you see a possible case of neglect, HSOY encourages you to speak up.

“What I do need, is for people in our community to speak up they’ve got to tell someone, they’ve got to call animal control,” Lagunas said.

The turnover fee for pets to the shelter is $45, less expensive than a fine and better for the well-being of your pet.

Hobo is now up for adoption and could not be any happier to be in good hands with the food and shelter he needs.

Except for maybe in a home that is ready to give him the hugs he so deserves.

HSOY is open Tuesday through Sunday and can be reached at 928-782-1621.