Everyday, thousands of animals are put into danger by violent owners either from neglect, direct violence, or dog fighting. Most people find pets as strays and instead of taking them to a veterinarian or to an animal shelter; they keep the dog cat or whatever type of animal it maybe, even when they know they do not have the money to take of care it. Animals suffer and die from neglect when they are denied proper food, water or shelter. They slowly starve to death or die from exposure to freezing cold or sweltering hot temperatures. The types of direct violence that animals suffer everyday at the hands of people are being beaten, mutilated, shot, set on fire or otherwise tortured. The intentional suffering inflicted on the animals can result in brutal injury or death. Dog fighting, is the number one problem with animal cruelty in most states. In dog fighting two dogs, usually pit bulls, fight until one or both cannot continue. The dogs suffer serious injuries or death during the match. Often, the owner of the losing dog will shoot or abandon the injured dog to die slowly from its injuries. The Humane Society of the United States estimated that there are at least 40,000 dogfight complaints each year in America; however, all 50 states do have animal cruelty laws, and 43 of the state laws contain provisions making certain types of animal cruelty a felony offense.
To me animals are not just pets; however, they are all mans best friend and should be treated as if they were humans. I have never had a cat as a pet but I have always had dogs. My father always said, “ I have never known anyone who loves animals as much as you do, and when it is time for you to start college I know you are going to major in Veterinary Medicine.” Nevertheless, I am and I will not give it up for anything in the world. Animals are my passion and I do not want to let them down. Becoming a veterinarian is not only my dream but I sometimes feel as if animals need my help, and I am doing it for them. I love them so much it hurts me when I see strays wondering the streets in need of food and water, or medical attention. If I had a lot of money I would own my own animal reserve and let them all run free, but they would all still be in good care. To prevent all of these ruthless activities from happening us as humans should be more aware of what is going on in our neighborhoods and take better care of our pets. I am glad that I am majoring in something that I have always wanted to be and that is Veterinary Medicine.