Look up the word Magnum in any dictionary and you will find reference to "great in power or size" or "an abundance".  That was the name given to the 3-4 year old chocolate lab pictured at the right.  And perhaps at one time he was "large" or had an "abundance of size".  But now his name only describes the massive amount of neglect that his sweet dog must have endured.  (more about Magnum below)

 

"Magnum" has become NAFA's call to WAR!  A war against animal abuse and neglect.  Northeast Arkansas has become a battelfield scattered with too many cases of abused and neglected animals.  In the month of July 2007, NAFA responded to 20 severe abuse and neglect cases.

 

There is no excuse for this kind of neglect.  We as a society have turned the blind eye too many times.  Individuals who have animals MUST take responsibility for the basic care of their animals - adequate food, water, shelter and medical needs.

 

Northeast Arkansas should take notice that NAFA investigators have taken off the gloves.  Individuals responsible for gross abuse or neglect of animals will be prosecuted to the strongest extent of the law. 

 

We are not fanatical, but we are determined.  The animals of Northeast Arkansas are going to be properly taken care of.  Individuals who have an animal ... 

If individuals can not provide proper care then they need to find another home for the animal or make arrangments to surrender it to a humane or rescue organization.

Magnum is a very sweet and loving 3-4 year old Chocolate lab.  He is possibly the most emaciated dog NAFA has every seen that was still alive.  His skin literally hangs on his bones.  Yet, he finds the energy to bark, jump and wag his tail.  It is unbelieveable that he has that much will to survive.

 

Magnum was cabled to a tree in a back yard.  Less than 25 feet from the end of his prison chain was an above ground swimming pool that appeared to be used daily.  There was a dog house and an overturned pot/bowl, but no food or water.

 

Magnum's owners said that he had heartworms and that they fed him every day.  The veterinarian who initially examined Magnum said that while he might have heartworms and that could contribute to poor health, his emaciated body was most likely a result of lack of regular food.  His body has simply been eating itself to stay alive.

 

The first night Magnum received small amounts of food every hour.  He slept inside on a soft comforter with fresh water any time he needed it.  Thursday morning he was transported to a local vet to receive a complete checkup and medical care.

 

Additional pictures will be available in the next few days.

And of course, the three horses from Greenfield whose owner walked right past them every day ... leaving them fenced in a small lot with no grass, no hay, no feed.  She was angered that NAFA would think there was something wrong with the way the horses lived.

 

So there you have it animal friends.  A call to battle.  NAFA challenges every rescue, every law enforcement officer, every humane society to join us in our WAR against Animal Abuse and Neglect.  It means longer hours, stronger wills and lots more money for medical and legal fees.  But the animals in our community are counting on us to stop the torture that they are enduring.

 

 

Sincerely,