Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month – April

Be their voice. Keep them safe. It’s our responsibility to speak out about the injustices we see for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Report animal abuse to Loudoun County Animal Services: 703-777-0406 (Can be done anonymously)

If it’s an emergency after hours you can call:
Loudoun County Sheriff: 703-777-1021      
Leesburg Police: 703-771-4500

It’s important to understand the signs of animal neglect, whether it’s intentional or not, and to report it for the sake of the animal. The American Humane Association provides these key signs of neglect to watch out for:

No shelter: Animals need protection from the elements while outdoors to ensure their welfare and well-being.

A tight collar: Not increasing the size of a collar as an animal grows causes injury, strangulation and death.

Lack of grooming: Without regular grooming, a pet, especially a long-haired one, can get massive matting and sores.

Mange: Mange, caused by tiny parasites, leads to itching, loss of hair and sores from scratching and biting to relieve the irritation. Mange is easily treated with medicated baths.

Starvation: Starvation is caused not only by lack of food, but also by improper food, untreated disease and parasites (like worms).

Tick or flea infestations: Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal’s death.

Injuries: Untreated wounds or obvious signs of injury often means the animal is in constant pain.

Aggression: Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners are not in a safe environment.

Learn to recognize the indications of animal cruelty, and immediately report it to local animal control or law enforcement. Without information from concerned citizens, law enforcement would not be aware of most instances of animal abuse.