SPCA tells story of abuse for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
April is Natural Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and the SPCA of Wake County is sharing a local story of animal abuse to help spread awareness.
On Monday, the SPCA took in Todd, a 1-year-old Great Dane mix. Todd was about half the size he should be and underweight with skeletal deformities, according to a press release from the SPCA.
A veterinarian who assessed Todd said he was likely kept in too small of a confined space and not given enough food during his growing puppy months. As a result, Todd now has difficulty walking due to pain.
According to Tara Lynn with the SPCA of Wake County, Todd can't sit like a normal dog and needs a ramp to climb stairs.
The SPCA will help Todd find a family to care for him and his special needs -- but not all abused dogs are so lucky.
Recent WRAL coverage shows just how common animal abuse is. In January, a Raleigh man put two dogs in a cardboard box and left them to die in a local park, according to an arrest warrant. In September 2018, documents stated an Alaskan malamute was intentionally starved to death in Fuquay-Varina.
In April, and year-round, the SPCA of Wake County wants to raise awareness that animal abuse is a community-wide concern that affects animals and humans.
"Since animals are voiceless and can’t defend themselves, they represent many defenseless populations," read a press release from the SPCA. "In homes where an animal is being abused, there can often be abuse or neglect of other vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or children."
People can help by volunteering time or money to the SPCA of Wake County and other animal rescue organizations.
