It's no joke
Imagine this: Socks the cat and Rover the dog have been part of your family for years. They are "inside" pets, only going out into a fenced-in backyard. They are friendly animals. Everyone in the neighborhood knows them, and knows they are as much a part of your family as the kids and grandkids.
One evening, when you open the back door for Socks, she doesn't come. At first you think she's probably out chasing mice. After an hour or so you grow concerned enough to go in search of your cat.
What you find is something you would never expect in a small town in Marion County — your cat has been killed.
Violently.
Living in a rural community, we all are used to the natural demise of pets and farm animals. What we don't understand is intentional torturing of pets.
Years ago there were "bullies" who picked on animals and young children. Their pranks were laughed off with a "boys will be boys" remark and the bullying continued.
Today, those "pranks" are taken a bit more seriously. In many cases these incidents are recognized as the beginning of escalating violence and criminal activity.
Animal abuse cases often go unreported. The pet owner may be too distraught to report the incident or they may fear retaliation and further violence.
If incidents go unreported, a bully may think he is able to "get away with anything" and continue his activities. Another dog will disappear. Someone else's cat will be found with its legs broken. As the pattern continues, the crimes may escalate and others could be hurt.
We live in Marion County for many reasons, among them is the feeling of safety in our small towns. To keep that luxury we have to be responsible enough to report suspicious activity — including unexplained animal deaths.
Residents of small communities are sometimes ridiculed and dubbed "cranky old people" for their complaints about the activities of others. Don't discount their remarks. Each complaint is worth checking into — especially if they involve the abuse of small children and animals.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
