Hi Angela! Information on animal abuse can't be posted enough. Bring the topic up frequently. Awareness goes a long ways. People will learn it is acceptable to turn these monsters in. I get so angry at times I get to the point of thinking tooth for a tooth, hand for a hand....yes i agree, every single one needs to serve some serious time, and in addition, be mentored, and monitored while serving community service time caring for animals. At least if the are not sociopaths. (My using the term sociopath - meaning people with no empathy or people without a conscience). Some people never learned to find their compassion button while growing up because their parents never used theirs. Their children had no role model to learn compassion.

Hi Diana:

What really irks me is the media and making it seem okay when those "popular" folks abuse their pets or others.

It is like the story makes money for everyone, the popular person gets to keep the pet they abused or continue on with life.

Sorry, it is like child abuse - talking about it is not doing the trick. Every day as we speak an animal is being abused. Thank you for caring enough to do this. With folks like you, change will take place!

I agree any type of animal cruelty or cruelty period should have a severe penalty.

I agree Angela, the celebrities abuse animals and get very little time for it. Then they are out enjoying their popularity right after getting out of prison. It is sickening. I can't get my head around anyone capable of hurting any animal or person. I can only think they are so mentally ill or??? Like I said I can't even comprehend how anyone can do it.

There are some countries that have very severe penalties and yet have a good quality of life. The US has the greatest prison populations and yet we really "reform" very few criminals. We have got to be doing something wrong. Any suggestions folks?

Hi Diana:

Just like with "unemployment" (this affects me personally/lol) - individuals that either believe or are affected by an issue have to do something. It is like we sometimes like to sit back and watch other folks do something! And I am guilty of this until I got laid off for the 3rd time in my 50's in 2008. This was why I started my "blog"... And through the blog I got TV and newspaper interviews, got books free to review for authors who write books to help people get an income (these are the ONLY book reviews I do) and even some Virtual Assistance gigs from them. Yes, I would rather have another 9 to 5 job like I did in 2008, but had to realize that right now - people have to be "creative" and find income. One issue I would love to get involved with is the over 50 age discrimination - while I really do not care as I don't apply for jobs where I would have to hide my age to get an interview - I think it needs to stop. But the only thing I see from my research is the AARP (which I despise with a passion, politics, etc.). But who knows, with time I will figure out a way to fight this issue as an individual.

If everyone did this = change would take place.

I wish I was a "group" person - never have been one (was an only child for 6 years in the country = learn't to enjoy my own company/lol) - I would work with some groups.

But I just do not have it within me to do so.

For those folks that can - JOIN all the groups in your area who are fighting the issues that you CARE about.

Especially with election time - good time to do this, while it should be year round in order to get results.

For example Diana - you are doing your part with this awesome forum. I can see your heart is in the right place You go girl!!!

We can all fight for the change that is necessary, however we choose to fight as a individual, or part of a group, or the leader of a group. What I don't get is the people that just stand there and take it and do nothing.

You were proactive with results. I honestly don't understand why many employers don't like the over 50 bracket. These are the people that are seasoned and are dependable. Ignorance never stops amazing me.

Same with animal abuse, how can anyone witness animal abuse and do nothing about it? How can anyone witness child abuse and do nothing about it. OPEN QUESTION: Are these people as guilty as the person doing the abuse??? Legitimate question and I am curious to see what the comments will be.

Hi Diana:

What I found while living in the apartment I had for 14 years before moving in with my ex, you would get involved and then get in trouble with the person you tried to help with calling 911. I saw many people get threatened or worst in my old complex = yes in the ghetto/lol.

Now I have never witnessed child or animal abuse, but did use to witness "women" being beat up. The last time I got involved, witnessed one of my neighbors being through out her front window on to the grass from inside her apartment.

Ms. Helpful (me/lol) calls 911 - cops come, and of course you know the routine (like my mom was when my dad was alive and beat the mess out of her EVERY day) - did not press changes.

Thank goodness I had called in anonymous.

LOL, then a few days later - guess who comes knocking on my door to call the cops back. Yep, you guessed it - the same lady. I did not get involved this time around - told her some lie about my phone being out. Asked her why she did not call herself - the usual excuse, no phone. Oh well...

Not to be mean, but I grew up around this and this was one of several reasons why I choose to leave a 4 year involvement I had with a man I thought was "healthy" - took one time of putting his hands on me to "wake me" up big time. There were other issues like how he mistreated (would not quite call it abuse) Jeremiah/my little doggie friend - before ran away.

The signs are there sometimes and not.

With animal and child abuse, it is up to us to get involved. I would, but anonymously for fear of someone telling the abuser I did and them killing me. Yes, it happens every day.

Talk soon,

You are right about the anonymous. It's frightening that we have to be so afraid to help a adult, child or animal. But you are so right. I have been told that domestic situations can be the most unpredictable and dangerous for police officers. Animal officers run into the same mind set people. If they put others at danger they are dangerous! Stay out of harm's way and use anonymous! Good point and thank you Shirley.

Someone needs to by notified even if it is a typed letter. Phone booths aren't available any longer. Check with the authorities to see if saying anonymous is enough? What other ways can authorities for abused animals or children be notified without fear of reprisal?