Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Best Ways to Rehabilitate Animals

By Louise Parry


The concept of animal cruelty differs in varying degrees between societies. Take the case of dogs being slaughtered during tribal ceremonies, which is not considered as cruelty toward animals within that particular tribe but is condemned as cruelty by other cultures. The idea of dog rescue is thus completely acceptable in one culture while being totally ridiculous in another society. Fortunately, humanity in general is making significant steps in animal rehabilitation. But we must first define animal rehabilitation. It is the repair of any injury to an animal of which the most common cause is either the action or inaction of humans. Many types of animal rehabilitation exist including the care poured into the treatment of physical wounds and the healing of the psychological injuries inflicted on an abused animal in any setting. The ultimate goal of animal rehabilitation is to bring the animal to full physical and psychological health.

In a dog rescue shelter, different stories of animal cruelty can be heard ranging from emotional negligence to physical torture. All of these stories can touch the heart of animal lovers and even indifferent individuals. The reason is simple - cruelty to any living being resonates in our souls. The good news is that these rescue shelters have the facilities and staff to rehabilitate ill dogs. But of course, we must all help in animal rehabilitation. Rescue shelters can only do so much in treating wounded animals. The best thing that you can do is to be observant of your surroundings where animals are concerned. Both wild and domesticated animals may find havens in a dog rescue shelter, in a government facility or in your home.

If you decide to place the injured animal in a rescue center, it is a nice gesture if you can donate time, effort and money to the organization. Since these shelters are non-profit organizations with a volunteer staff, your assistance will go a long way. You will also be able to learn many things about animal rehabilitation from dressing wounds to soothing fears that can be applied to your own pets at home. Or better yet, your knowledge can be applied to animals brought into your home-slash- dog rescue shelter.

You may also decide to turn over victims of animal cruelty to the appropriate government facilities. In many cases, the agriculture department handles cases involving injuries to wild animals especially protected species. Take note that many states require caregivers of wounded animals to secure state permits. Exceptions can be made under emergency situations but it is always best to consult with local authorities.

You may care for wounded animals in your home. Just be sure to comply with the conditions imposed by the law on these matters. These conditions can include notifying the concerned officials, providing for proper care and releasing the animal into the wild at the right time. Again, release into the wild is the ultimate goal of animal rehabilitation.

In your custody, you must take good care of the animal. Such care involves regular assessments of its health so that release into the wild can be done when the animal is well. Keep in mind that your efforts to nurse animal into good health will be for naught when it is not ready in the first place. Ask for opinions from the more experienced staff at the dog rescue shelter for more information.




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