Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Article byJoin Us & Raise Awareness
April has been dedicated by the ASPCA as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. This is a time use our voices and advocate for the prevention of cruel treatment to innocent animals.
Each year at the Erie Humane Society, we devote the month of April to raising awareness for animal cruelty victims, especially in our own community. During this month-long campaign, we will be sharing various cruelty facts and information on how you can report animal cruelty.
We will also share some of our animal cruelty success stories and celebrate their progress from horrible circumstances to wonderful lives with loving, nurturing families.
Be an Advocate
There are a number of ways you can get involved and join in the fight against animal cruelty:
- Wear an orange “Animal Guardian Ribbon” - available at our shelter.
- Make adoption your first option.
- Volunteer at our shelter.
- Foster an animal in need of extra TLC.
- Donate to our campaign.
- Advocate on social media. #useyourvoiceErie Humane Society
Cruelty Success Story - Butters
On March 27, 2017, the Erie Humane Society Humane Officers responded to a call of a man physically abusing his dog in the city of Erie. When the officers arrived, the owner claimed he was giving his dog, Butters, a bath.
Upon seeing the dog, it was immediately apparent Butters had suffered severe injuries to her eyes, face, and head. Both of her eyes were severely swollen and bright red. She had a laceration on her right cheek and left leg. Her owner admitted he “whooped” Butters that morning out of anger because she had gone to the bathroom on the carpet.
He agreed to relinquish Butters to the Erie Humane Society and she was taken directly to our veterinarian for examination, hospitalization, and treatment.
The veterinarian determined Butters' injuries were consistent with recent physical abuse. The owner was charged by the Erie Humane Society Humane Officers with a Misdemeanor of the First Degree and three Summary Offenses.
The defendant pleaded guilty to a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree and was sentenced to two years of probation, veterinary restitution of $574.00 to the Erie Humane Society, anger management counseling, a mental health evaluation, and is never allowed to own a dog again.
A New Beginning for Butters
On May 12, 2017, after spending 47 days at the Humane Society, Butters was adopted into a loving family. Her new owners recently expressed to us that “Butters is doing great! She has blessed our family beyond measure and has found her forever home.”
Butters' story is contributed by Chief Humane Officer, Lisa Stiles.
