what comprises an abused dog?

Answer 1

they're usually neglected -- left without food or water for extended periods of time, see little to no human interaction (or interaction with other animals for that matter)-- and are often physically beaten. often times they simply aren't cared for -- they're left outside in harsh weather conditions without appropriate shelter (a doghouse or somewhere else to get inside from the cold, rain, etc), their coats become mangled and they often become infested with parasites and insects (fleas, ticks, worms, and the like). their nails are allowed to grow to unacceptable lengths, sometimes resulting in the dew claws growing into the dog's arms causing great amounts of pain. their teeth will become plaque-y and they can end up with gum disease and their teeth could possibly fall out.

basically, an abused dog isn't always one that someone has punched or hit or kicked or screamed at -- lots of things constitute abuse.

Answer 2

This is a very good question!

There's the legal definition of abuse, and then there's the moral definition of abuse, which can vary from person to person.

Legally, an animal must recieve food, water, shelter, and be restrained or confined to the owner's property. The animal must recieve vet care if ill or injured. The animal should not be beaten, and the animal should not be a part of a human sex act. Legally, that's about it. Specifics vary from state to state, though. In some communities, there is no rules about confining an animal so dogs can run free. Other communities believe it is cruel to tie up a dog for any length of time, and require that the dog be in a fenced yard. Some communities have exact requirements as to the type of shelter provided, while others just want some kind of shelter (trees, old cars, and plywood can count) for the dog.

The moral definition of abuse really does vary from person to person. For example, one of the above answerers stated that it was abuse to feed a generic dog food. That's obviously her moral standards, but that's not the definition of abuse in any state or community law. I keep my dog outside for 24 hours at a time while at work. Some people consider that abusive, but as long as I provide lots of companionship while I'm home, I feel that it's OK.
I guess what I'm trying to say, is just because one person thinks it's abusive to treat a dog a certain way, doesn't mean it's necessarily abusive.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Any one of these things constitutes abuse. More than one and the owner should be prosecuted for animal cruelty.

1. A dog that is tied to a crate in a lonely corner of the yard without the opportunity to interact with his owners, and forced to live among piles of feces, because noone likes cleaning up the poop.

2. A dog that is used as a source of income and bred season after season, with no time to recover its strength. Reputable dealers would never do this, but you'd be surprised at how many ignorant people do.

3. A dog that isn't given treatment for medical conditions and is not checked by a vet at least once a year to be sure it is healthy and that its immunizations are kept up to date.

4. A dog that is fed generic food.

5. A dog that is left tied to a coop with empty food and water bowls. This especially applies during cold weather, when water freezes and the humans don't want to walk all the way down there because it is so cold.

6. A dog that is expected to take any abuse the kids care to dish out because, after all, they are just kids and they don't know any better.

7. A dog that is not exercised or kept crated just about 24/7 to keep it out of the way.

8. A dog that is not treated with a flea preventative and forced to suffer the agonies of flea allergy, the blood draining of feeding fleas, and the agony of anemia inducing ticks.

Answer 4

First of all although it is very sad emotional neglect does not constitute abuse (this information came from our animal control officer) As long as their physical needs are met, not loving, giving attention or playing with a dog is not considered abuse by authorities. Some of the things that are abuse: starvation, no water, or shade on a hot day. Kicking, hitting or any type of severe physical abuse. Penning an animal up in a small space day after day with no chance to get up or move around. Not taking it to a vet when it is severely injured or extremely ill. There is another type of abuse that usually starts with a need to help animals but ends up in a situation where animals are "collected" what that is basically, is that a person takes in too many animals without the resources to care for them properly. Abandonment of an animal is also considered abuse.

Answer 5

Animal abuse comes in many forms, From ultra aggressive training and domination by brute force instead of leadership, to a lack of care such as feeding, living quarters, and general health and appearance. Abused dogs can often become very timid and very aggressive out of fear. Some urinate on the ground upon meeting people as a sigh of total submission. It is a good idea to treat the dog as a living breathing part of the family instead of an a accessory to the home.

Answer 6

Dog abuse can be comprised of any (or a mix of) the following: physical abuse (including everything from hitting and kicking to severe torture); emotional abuse (terrorism); verbal abuse; neglect (which can include depriving the animal of a regular predictable supply of food and water; depriving an animal of a safe, clean, environment that effectively protects it from weather; et.c); sexual abuse (using a dog in practices of "beastiality"); participation in a puppy mill, dog fighting, or animal hoarding situation; injury, neglect or any untoward intentional action which results in the untimely death of the dog; etc.

Laws regarding what constitutes "dog abuse" can vary from state to state, and even from city to city. Sadly, most dog abusers are never prosecuted and never face jail time for their actions. Sadly, too, animal abuse is believed to be symptomatic of growing sociopathy in humans which can evolve into domestic violence, assault, homicide and other henious human-on-human predation.

Answer 7

Dog is sick and owner does not have it treated by vet.
Dog is left outside in extremely cold weather or wet weather with no shelter.
Dog is not fed properly.
Dog is beaten, kicked, man-handled or otherwise physically hurt.
Dog is used in dog fights.
Dog is left out in heat with no water or shade.
Dog is chained in yard with no access to food or water.
Dog has collar that is too tight and cutting into his neck.
And the list goes on and on.

Answer 8

A dog that dosent have all of its needs met mentally and physically.