It's amazing how animals play such an integral part in our daily lives. They bring us happiness when we're having a rough day, and they long for our attention. Unfortunately, some people in our society take their frustrations out on their pets, or pets in their neighborhood. This frustration can be in the form of verbal or physical abuse.

From the American Society of The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals, check out these signs to look for in abused animals:

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet's neck
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn't being treated
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
• Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Additionally, here are some environmental signs as well:

• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

What To Do If You Suspect An Animal Is Being Abused

If you suspect an animal is being abused, please contact the Los Angeles County Department Of Animal Control at (626) 962-3577. If you are witnessing a subject physically harming an animal, call the Azusa Police Department at (626) 812-3200.

What's The Law?

California Penal Code Section 597 deals specifically with abuse of animals. Visit the California Legal Info page to view this section.

Resources

You can find out more information on the following websites:

The Los Angeles County Department Of Animal Care And Control

The American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals

The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals - Los Angeles Office