Quote:
Originally Posted by brink-
Most everyone on this board knows that I am an animal lover, so here goes. If you hit an animal look for it, and deal with it. Animals do have a nervous system and they feel pain. I live where there are a lot of road kill, several times I have been on my way to work and seen a deer along the road with a broken back trying desperately to get up. I used to call D.O.W. but it would take so long and they would suffer so that I quit waiting. I carry a knife in my car, and also have a concealed weapon permit and usually carry a gun. I put the animal out of their misery and then call D.O.W. although the boys in camo are used to me, it is against the law to do that. Get permission first. Don't let them suffer, we moved into their territory.
Here also it is illegal to hit a farm animal and there is a fine, also a bigger one for not reporting in a timely manner and leaving the scene.
Putting my soapbox away......
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When an injured animal runs off into the woods -best to leave it be (especially nighttime)unless you are able to assist the animal properly or call animal control/wildlife dept. Many hunters and some others have the experience/training to do this. I'm glad to know that you do, brink. An animal on the side of the road, suffering is something I've never come across (except the pig)..despite years of living in the country. I certainly would do everything I could within reason. With wildlife especially, it's best to proceed with caution because the animal could be rabid.
Had a bird fly into the side of our house, fall about 40' and it was partially immobilized when it landed on the ground. The local animal control officer arrived in a short time and he was just wonderful. Watching him care for the bird and interact with my then young son (who had seen the bird fly into the house) was very touching. After he told me about the animal shelter and funding issues too - I later went down and toured the facility and offered to volunteer to find some grant $$$, etc.
As far as the pig...I guess $50 was a slap on the wrist. Still, it was a surprise as to how they found out my name and address!!
Pam