SAN ANTONIO – Animal Care Services officials said Thursday that they have seen an increase in the number of reports and investigations of animal cruelty since the summer began.
Some of the recent cases have also been quite graphic, including a teenager smashing a turtle on a concrete slab, a cat suffocated in a locked metal box and 17 kittens left in a sack on the side of the road.
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ACS officials attribute the spike to a variety of circumstances related to the weather.
"More people are taking time off of work," said ACS animal cruelty unit field investigation supervisor Joel Skidmore. "The kids are home. The heat can aggravate things."
With almost three months left in fiscal 2017, ACS has sent 58 animal cruelty cases to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office.
Related: Pet owners take extra precautions in summer heat
Skidmore said the cases can cover a wide range of cruelty, from simple neglect to the torture or killing of an animal.
The abandoned kittens are among many cases still under investigation
"We have a description," Skidmore said. "But any further information provided only helps us."
ACS wants anyone who sees or suspects animal cruelty to call 311. Potential signs of animal cruelty include:
- Pets without fresh water and species-specific food. While an empty bowl in and of itself doesn't necessarily mean an animal is being cruelly treated, failure to provide food and water to pets is against the law.
- Outdoor dogs without access to shade and proper shelter to get out of the elements. The law in San Antonio defines shelter as a structure with a roof, three sides, a fourth accessible side and a floor that is elevated, to keep the structure dry.
- Chaining a dog directly by the neck or with heavy tow chains
- Pets who are being physically beaten or tortured
- Injured or sick animals who have received no veterinary care
- Keeping excessive numbers of pets, making it impossible to adequately provide humane housing and care
- Fighting or causing to fight dogs or roosters
- Sexual abuse of animals
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