PWC Animal Control Bureau raising awareness for “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” month

April is “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” month and, to help raise awareness, the Prince William County Police Department’s Animal Control Bureau urges residents to “go orange for animals” and learn what to do if they observe instances of animal cruelty.

Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, according to Animal Control Lieutenant Pauline Shatswell. “It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on an animal’s behavior alone,” she said. “Animal cruelty can be an animal without adequate shelter, adequate food, adequate water or adequate care.”

• Adequate food is defined as provision of food at least once a day to maintain each animal.

• Adequate shelter is access to shelter that protects animals from the elements, and keeps the animal clean and dry as required for each species.

• Adequate water is defined as drinkable water in sufficient volume to maintain normal hydration for the species.

• Adequate care is defined as responsible care of the animal including feeding, watering, and provision of veterinary care to prevent suffering or impairment of health.

Animal cruelty can also include someone who willfully inflicts pain, unnecessarily beats or kills an animal. An animal is abused or beaten every 10 seconds, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

If you observe any of these violations, you can be the voice for animals by calling 703-792-6500 and advise that you want to make an animal cruelty complaint. You may remain anonymous; however, if you leave contact information it may help Animal Control Officers resolve the matter. In some cases simply educating the owner will resolve the problem. In other cases criminal charges may need to be placed.

Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt, and often lifesaving care. By making a complaint to the Prince William County Police Animal Control Bureau you can help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.

Each year, the ASPCA urges supporters to wear orange throughout the month of April to raise
awareness for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The Animal Control Bureau asks that residents to be
advocates for animals in need and report animal cruelty in our community. For more information, visit the ASPCA website: http://www.aspca.org/get-involved/aspca-april