Heartland Pet Connection and HPD educate the public about types of abuse
HASTINGS, Neb. (Nebraska) – Local service providers have come together to inform people about different types of abuse. Heartland Pet Connection and the Hastings Police Department have joined forces at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
They provided the local team leader with the information, teaching them the “connection”. It means that any type of abuse is also linked to other forms and that any form of abuse can precede the other, but everything goes in a cycle.
“Many people don’t understand that when animal abuse occurs inside homes, there is a lot of other abuse happening inside homes,” said Samuel Johnston, HPD Community Service Officer. “So this presentation was meant to provide awareness to people, and with a benefit they are dealing with children and families all the time. So hopefully this was to help them understand more.
Johnston said he hopes Nebraska’s animal cruelty laws change and that offenders receive a mandatory sentence. Those who attended said paying close attention is key.
“As a community, be more aware of animal welfare,” said Claudia Bedlan, Head Start Teacher. “In general, if you see dogs in the heat and if we see that, and even if the animals in the cold we should just take action and call 911.”
Bedlan said one of the big findings for her is that animal cruelty can be a sign that more abuse is happening in the home. According to a study obtained by HPD, 43% of shooters have a history of animal torture. Make the information provided critical to the community.
“It’s just a way to reach out to the community,” said Jennie Theesen, Shelter Manager at Heartland Pet Connection. “We can provide the resources available to them in regards to being able to tell them what’s out there and available from a city perspective. In regards to animal abuse cases, contact our local police department and make sure they are contacting those animal control officers.
Theesen said reaching out to a vet for support should also be a step in the process.
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