Under 2 minutes: In much the same way you'd handle things if you spotted a child who might be in trouble, keep your eyes and ears open to situations that appear to be harmful to an animal. Look for those chained or tied outside for hours, even days, at a time, inadequate shelter, food or water, collars that are too tight, matted hair, and excessive scratching from flea infestation or possibly mange. All of these prove abuse and neglect. Most important: trust your instincts. If it looks bad, it is.

Under 10 minutes: Report the situation by calling your local animal control agency as they are the ones that will investigate the matter. Yes, you can remain anonymous. A short journal of what you have noted and when will be helpful to the investigators. If you can do so safely, take a photo which is invaluable proof of what's going on and the officer will add it to the file for any legal action which might come about later. Keep track of who you speak to and when and what they tell you they will do and when they say they'll do it. As much as possible, speak in a logical, not emotional fashion, yet let them know you consider this a serious matter, one that deserves their immediate attention.

10 minutes: Within 24 hours after reporting the problem, follow up with the person to whom you gave the information, either in person or by phone. If you do not feel the matter is receiving sufficient or timely attention, look to other humane organizations for assistance. The ASPCA has a terrific data base, by state, of Humane Law Enforcement Agencies who can quickly point you in the right direction. Don't stop until someone tells you they will take action and then does!

Under 10 minutes: Be persistent. Like a dog with a bone, pun intended, keep following up with officials until the situation reaches a satisfactory conclusion. For those with children, or anyone concerned about children, please take note: Pets are abused in 88 percent of the families where children are abused, according to an article in Humane Education News. As with anything in life, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and an animal's life, and perhaps a child's too, may depend on you being that wheel.