Some animal neglect could be prevented

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Terre Haute Code Enforcement Officers found a dog Monday morning that had been severely abused.

So we decided to see how Terre Haute ranked in animal abuse cases and what can be done to prevent it.

About 20,000 animal abuse cases were reported last year. And those are only the ones we know were actually reported.

We talked to Megan Bilyeu at the Airport Veterinary Clinic Tuesday. She said Animal Control brings in up to 4 abused animals per month.   

With that being said, she said they see a lot of animals come in with clients who don't know how to care for their animals.   

While these cases are not necessarily considered "neglect", these animals aren't being cared for in a good manner.  

Many times, according to experts, neglect and abuse is 100 percent preventable.   

Megan said Code Enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors are working to make a difference.

Megan said, unfortunately, abuse is really hard to define with the law.   

But she's not seeing people being held responsible, expect for being issued minor citations.   

Megan is pleased that lately, officials are working to make a bigger difference in regards to animal abuse and neglect.   

But it's still difficult for her to see these abused animals come in so often.

"It gets under your skin. Because, you think, I could be doing something or the owner should have done something to prevent this. But what can you do?” said Megan.

Megan said if there were an easy solution to the problem, they would be doing it now.

But there are resources out there to help people care for their pets.

For more information on these resources, head to Project Hope’s website .