In the last weekend (November 4th) many people were shocked by the story we saw in "Domingo Espetacular" (Spectacular Sunday) a TV newscast by TV Record, which showed the case of "cute dog Sandy", who died as a result of the burns she suffered because of a violent and cruel act of a "human being".
This morning, was featured on the cover of the popular newspaper Metro, the news that the number of complaints of abuse against animals increased by 400%. A great sign that people are becoming aware and sensitizing.
In Brazil, mistreating an animal is a CRIME, but the Law, according to animal rights activists, is still weak because the penalties are not severe as they should be.
Still, it is worth remembering that the one who practices a crime against an animal is capable of terrible things even against humans. But we don't have to worry only when problem strikes us.
Protecting animals is also our responsibility, therefore, the complaint is a major step to curb this barbarity and treat the issue with the rigidity it deserves.
So, let's take this opportunity to emphasize that ISF (Ian Somerhalder Foundation) is committed to ending animal cruelty. The Foundation has been doing a major effort to build a sanctuary that will house animals victims of abuse and still work in the recovery of children and young people who had experienced bullying.
It is a bold and important project that needs a lot of help from everyone to become reality. We invite you to visit the official page of the project on the ISF website, to learn more about it and suddenly, why not, help as you can.
Here goes the Metro News we've mentioned
"Complaints against Animal Cruelty Rise
Complaints occupy 4th place in "181"* ranking; amount of complaints has increased fivefold
The number of complaints received by the hotline about animal cruelty increased five times between September this year and the same month of 2011. This type of complaint has jumped from 12th to fourth place in the ranking of the service.
According to the balance of "Central 181", in September 2012, 236 complaints were received that type, compared to 47 cases recorded in the same period last year. On average, there are eight complaints per day.
The vast majority of reports refers to cruelties practiced against dogs and cats. Complaints about drug trafficking ranks first in the "181" ranking, with 2400 connections. Next came gambling, with 629 calls, and child bad treatment, with 350 cases.
Fair Adoption
Trying to reduce the number of abandoned dogs and cats, the Center for Zoonosis Control held on Saturday, the Animal Action 2012, where 400 dogs and 100 cats were ready to find those who adopt them. The event happened, 10am to 4pm hours on 86 Santa Eulalia Street, in Santana, in the city north area."
*181 - São Paulo Police phone number for anonymous complaint.
Original text here (Portuguese only)
If you want to learn more, visit: (Portuguese only)
(English)
Credits/Sources:
The Jornal Nacional (local TV newscast) reported in recent days Novembever 19 and 20, 2012, that Lutheran University of Brazil - ULBRA, in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, has been, since 2008, slaughtering healthy animals "used" in their Veterinary Hospital. The news shows that even puppies are victims of this coward and pure cruelty act. 
