Expert: Lee Meyer - 1/24/2008

Question
What exactly constitutes animal cruelty? The reason I'm asking is that my dog won't let me take care of him and I just can't afford what the vet charges to care for him. To wash him or clip him, I practically have to drown the little stinker, but I really do love him and can't bear to see him hurt. However, if he looks too bad, it looks like I'm not taking care of him at all. He was abused by his first owners and as much as I love him, he doesn't trust me. Am I in trouble here?

Answer
Hi,

animal cruelty is usually a term that is defined legally, wherever you happen to live.  

Animal cruelty is typically a criminal type of offense, as 'cruelty' implies you did something to injure or damage or hurt the animal deliberately in some way.  Animal neglect not taking care of an animal's basic needs of food, shelter, water, medical care when needed, etc.  Severe cases of neglect may elevate to cruelty but that is probably up to the animal control officer to determine if charges are brought up.

In your case, you are dealing with a formerly abused dog.  Perhaps some of the things you are trying to do remind him of similar things the abuser did.  It may be that if you haven't had him a long time there is a trust issue that he needs to develop more trust in you.

I would suggest going to your local animal shelter and asking if they have a dog person there that could evaluate your dog, given his history, and see if they could work with you on some training and exercises designed to help you both out.  They also may have suggestions to help you when you try to groom him that work better and are less traumatic.  For example if he's small enough, maybe you can wrap him up in a big towel and when he's snugged up be able to do some of his nails.  Maybe you need two people.  Maybe you can give him a treat after it's over so that he learns to associate a reward afterwards so it's not so bad.