Editor: Tampa Bay residents should be alarmed by recent reports of animal cruelty and neglect in our community.
Just this month, a boxer puppy was found starving in Lutz, 60 Yorkshire terriers were rescued from deplorable conditions in Tampa and Seffner puppy mills and a cat was injured with a bow and arrow in Clearwater. It’s clear that animals need our care and compassion now, more than ever.
Although the problem seems overwhelming. There is much that we can do. All animals deserve adequate food, water, exercise, shelter and positive social interaction, so please report any suspected neglect or abuse to local authorities immediately. Spay or neuter your pet to help control the problem of overpopulation. Consider adopting one of the many wonderful animals anxiously awaiting a home at the county shelters, SPCA, Humane Society and various local rescues. These organizations urgently need our financial and volunteer support as well. One can also visit Petfinder.com online to view pictures and profiles of animals needing a loving home.
On a hopeful note, our local PBS affiliate, WEDU, will be presenting the premiere broadcast of “The Witness,” an award-winning film about one man's journey from loathing animals to dedicating his life to their care, on Sunday, June 28 at 10 p.m. The film will air on WEDU Channel 3, Comcast Channel 203 , Verizon Fios Channel 476 and Bright House Channel 605.
“The Witness” is a powerful reminder of the difference that just one person can make and will surely inspire others to help make Tampa Bay a safe place to live for animals as well as people.
