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Protecting Animals in Our Community
Did you know that animal cruelty in Texas can result in fines of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to two years? Thanks to House Bill 656 and Senate Bill 1724—collectively known as Loco’s Law—animal cruelty has been a criminal offense in the state since 2001. This landmark legislation was named after Loco, a dog who suffered a horrific act of abuse when his eyes were intentionally gouged out. His tragic case ignited a movement that led to stronger protections for animals across Texas.
What is Animal Cruelty?
Animal cruelty takes many forms, ranging from neglect and abandonment to outright abuse and exploitation. Some of the most common instances include puppy mills, factory farming, illegal wildlife trade, and entertainment industries that force animals into inhumane conditions. Recognizing these forms of cruelty is the first step in preventing them, as every individual has the power to make a difference by speaking out against mistreatment and advocating for better animal welfare standards.
Animals are essential members of our communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. Animal cruelty is broadly defined as the intentional infliction of harm on an animal or the failure to provide essential care for its survival. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Inflicting physical harm or torture on an animal
- Failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care
- Abandoning an animal in unsafe or inhumane conditions
- Transporting or confining an animal in a cruel or hazardous manner
- Killing, seriously injuring, or poisoning an animal
- Forcing an animal to engage in fights with other animals
- Using live animals as bait or lures in racing or other activities
- Tripping or intentionally causing injury to a horse
- Harming or maiming an animal belonging to another individual
- Subjecting an animal to extreme labor or overexertion beyond its capacity
The Impact of Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is unfortunately a widespread issue, with some of the most reported cases involving cats, dogs, horses, and livestock. Alarmingly, Texas leads the nation in animal cruelty cases, with nearly 7,000 reported incidents between 2011 and 2021 according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Incident-Based Reporting System.
Many cases of animal cruelty go unreported because people either don’t recognize the signs or hesitate to take action. Common indicators of neglect or abuse include visible wounds, extreme malnutrition, poor living conditions, and animals left outdoors in harsh weather without shelter. We must also pay attention to behavioral signs like excessive fear, aggression, or extreme withdrawal can also point to mistreatment. If you suspect animal abuse, it’s crucial to report it to local authorities, animal control agencies, or humane organizations. By taking a stand and reporting abuse, you could save an animal from a life of suffering and hold offenders accountable. Something to take note of is that individuals who engage in animal abuse can escalate to harming humans. Studies have shown that animal cruelty is often a precursor to violence against children and adults. Addressing and preventing animal abuse can ultimately help prevent broader societal harm.
How You Can Help: Minimizing Situations for Possible Abuse and Reporting Animal Cruelty
Preventing animal cruelty doesn’t always require drastic action—small, everyday choices can make a significant impact. Adopting pets instead of buying from breeders, supporting cruelty-free brands, and reducing meat consumption all contribute to a kinder world for animals. Volunteering at shelters, educating others about animal welfare, and donating to organizations fighting against cruelty are also effective ways to help. Even spreading awareness on social media can influence others to make more compassionate choices. Every action, no matter how small, helps move society toward a future where animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
The Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce is dedicated to improving the welfare of animals and ending abuse. This task force works alongside law enforcement, animal control agencies, prosecutors, veterinarians, and the Houston Humane Society to combat animal cruelty and educate the community on how to respond when abuse is suspected.
If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, it is critical to report it immediately. You can file a report online or call the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce at 832-927-PAWS.
Our mission to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston Area would not be possible without the support of our generous donors and partners. The support of organizations like Houston PetSet has allowed Crime Stoppers of Houston’s animal cruelty prevention and awareness initiatives to remain an innovative and ever-expanding resource for animal safety education in the Greater Houston Area and beyond.
By staying informed and taking action, we can make a difference. Thank you for being a part of this important cause.
Sources:
- The Humane Society of the United States: Animal Cruelty Facts and Stats
- Total Vet: Animal Abuse Statistics
- Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce
Breaking the Silence: Raising Awareness for Teen Dating Violence
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This issue affects millions of young people every day. Teen dating violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and digital abuse.
Unfortunately, some teens may not recognize the abuse, or they may be too afraid to speak out. It is crucial for teens to recognize the warning signs of abuse in their relationships. Some red flags include extreme jealousy or insecurity, belittling or put-downs, pressure for sexual activity, and threats of harm.
There are many ways for teens to protect themselves if they experience dating violence. Setting boundaries, trusting their instincts, and having a safety plan are essential steps. It is also important to know when to seek help. Teens should talk to a trusted adult—such as a parent, teacher, or counselor—if they feel unsafe. They can also reach out to a local domestic violence hotline or law enforcement for support.
Every teen deserves a healthy, respectful relationship. By speaking up and supporting one another, we can break the cycle of abuse and create a future where love is safe and empowering.
For more information, visit millionformillion.org.
3 FAQs About Illicit Massage Businesses
One of the most well-known forms of human trafficking is the selling of commercial sex within illicit massage businesses (IMBs). It is the second most common type of trafficking reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline1, and most Houstonians can find an IMB within a short driving distance of their home, school, or place of employment.
It’s important to remember that most massage businesses in America are not illicit – they employ perfectly legal operations and provide safe and effective treatment for their clientele. We must also remember that not all massage workers at an IMB provide sexual services, and many regular customers would never know that some clients in the next room are paying for sex.
But in our community outreach efforts, our team here at Crime Stoppers of Houston is constantly asked about trafficking by concerned neighbors, and this unfortunate reality is very much alive in our city.
We have found that many of our community members share common questions about the nature of trafficking and illicit massage businesses within our city:
How can you tell if a massage parlor is legitimate or not?
This is by far one of the most common questions our team gets. A few signs that a massage business may be facilitating human trafficking include:
- Windows that are completely covered or blacked out
- Customers must buzz in to enter the business
- They refuse to admit or serve female customers
- Listed rates for massages are lower than the industry standard
- You are asked to pay for massage services before receiving treatment
- There are no intake forms you are required to complete prior to receiving treatment
The presence of one or more of these indicators could be a sign that a business is involved in the sale of commercial sex.
Why don’t victims just leave?
Victim workers in these establishments are primarily controlled through debt bondage, blackmail, intense psychological manipulation, and/or physical violence. Almost every aspect of their life is controlled — where they live, what they eat, where they go, what they look like, and who they are allowed to talk to.
On top of that, many victims are not U.S. citizens, so they may have cultural and language barriers, fear law enforcement, and/or have no or limited knowledge of their rights, which can make it incredibly difficult for them to seek support.
For others, working in an IMB is the only way they are able to provide for themselves, their children, and family members they may have abroad. Many victim workers simply cannot afford to jeopardize their situation, no matter how inhumane and dangerous it might be.
Why don’t the police just shut them down?
Permanently shutting down an illicit massage business is a complicated process. Police operations like raids and undercover stings can result in trafficking victims being arrested and booked on prostitution charges, while the actual trafficker evades any legal consequences. Additionally, most of these businesses are part of much larger organized crime networks, and if one location is closed, traffickers will simply shift the victims to another.
Building a solid case that will remove traffickers from society in the long term takes time, resources, and hard work. As our law enforcement partners work to gather evidence and pursue criminal charges, there are other steps regular citizens can take to curb trafficking in our communities.
Business owners are required to adhere to various codes and regulations in order to operate legally, but many IMBs may not be following these requirements and may be vulnerable to civil penalties, including fines and potential closures.
We encourage citizen involvement, particularly in supporting victims, but uninformed action, however well-intentioned, can do more harm than good. Avoid entering massage parlors you suspect may be IMBs, attempting to talk with potential victims, or taking actions designed to draw attention to a particular business, like a protest. These actions can alert traffickers and cause them to move their operation before victims can be identified and helped.
If you suspect that a location is an IMB and facilitating human trafficking, report a tip to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
- https://polarisproject.org/blog/2018/05/is-there-massage-parlor-trafficking-in-my-community/
Halloween Safety
Halloween is a time of magic and fun, but it also brings certain risks that parents need to be aware of. With millions of children out trick-or-treating each year, the potential for accidents and dangerous incidents increases. According to the National Safety Council, Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, with children being particularly vulnerable—children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to other days. Additionally, the rise of fentanyl-laced candy has become a concerning trend. Law enforcement agencies have warned that counterfeit candy and drugs can end up in Halloween treats, posing a severe risk to unsuspecting children. Parents must teach their kids to be vigilant about the treats they accept and to avoid any that look suspicious or come from unknown sources.
Halloween sees a significant increase in pedestrian traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 71% of fatal crashes involving pedestrians occur in the dark, which is why costume safety is crucial. Visibility matters, as nearly 30% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involve children aged 4 to 15. Choose bright, reflective costumes or add glow sticks to enhance visibility. Additionally, opt for costumes made from non-flammable materials, as the U.S. Fire Administration reports that Halloween-related fires are common. Always accompany young children while trick-or-treating and set rules for older kids to stick to well-lit areas. Encourage your children to remain mindful of their surroundings, look both ways before crossing streets, and stay on sidewalks whenever possible.
If your child is attending a Halloween party, ensure you know the host and the location. A survey by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that nearly 3,000 injuries occur each Halloween at parties, often due to falls or alcohol-related incidents. It’s essential to discuss the dangers of underage drinking and substance use with your teens, as parties can sometimes lead to risky behavior. Encourage your child to use the buddy system, promoting group attendance and urging them to stay with friends throughout the event for added safety.
Finally, having an emergency preparedness plan is vital. Discuss what to do in case of an emergency and ensure your child has your contact information and knows how to reach you. Keeping a first aid kit handy is also a good idea for minor injuries, as Halloween often leads to scraped knees and other minor accidents.
Halloween can be a fun time filled with creativity and excitement, but being aware of the associated risks is crucial. By following these safety tips and staying informed, you can help protect your children from potential dangers while allowing them to enjoy the festivities. Let’s make this Halloween memorable for all the right reasons—stay safe and have fun!
Traveling with Peace of Mind this Summer!
In recent months, five Americans, who were on separate vacations in the Turks and Caicos Islands, were arrested when bullets were discovered in their luggage during routine security checks. While the tourists claimed that the bullets were left in their bags accidentally and had no malicious intent, the local authorities have taken the matter seriously. Turks and Caicos has stringent gun control laws, and the possession of ammunition without proper authorization is a serious offense. This is an important reminder for everyone as we set off to travel this Summer!
Traveling should be an exciting adventure, whether you’re exploring a new city, hiking through a national park, or relaxing on a tropical beach. However, safety should always be a priority. From securing your home while you’re away to staying vigilant on your trip and paying attention to local laws, here are some essential tips to ensure a worry-free journey.
- Avoid Posting in Real-Time on Social Media
DON’T: Posting in real-time on social media not only announces your current location to the world, potentially attracting unwanted attention, but also informs the world that your home is likely empty and a great target for theft. Innocent features like geotagging on Instagram stories can make your location public to people beyond your followers. Similarly, posts in Facebook groups can sometimes be visible to a wider audience than intended.
DO: A general rule of thumb is to wait until you’ve left the destination to start sharing your experiences. An even safer option than posting in real-time is to wait until you get home to post about your travels!
- Research Local Scams
DON’T: Tourist destinations can attract scammers. Looking like a tourist can make you an even larger target for scams. Avoid flashy jewelry and eccentric clothes to minimize attracting attention, and don’t carry items you be devastated to lose. Don’t carry all your cash at once or keep all your money and cards in the same location.
DO: Researching local scams in addition to general travel scams can help you know what to look out for and how to protect yourself from falling victim. A quick Google search combining your destination and the word “scams” can provide valuable insights into common tricks and tactics. Keep your most valuable items like your phone, credit cards, and passport safe. Some people prefer to wear money belts, while others use jackets with inside pockets for easy access and security. Most of all, pay attention to your surroundings. Most petty thefts and scams occur while people are distracted. Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
- Understand Local Laws and Regulations
Don’t: Different countries have different laws. Permissible actions at home, like carrying ammunition (as in the cases of the five Americans in Turks and Caicos), certain swear words, or even feeding local wildlife, might be illegal abroad. Always check local regulations before you go. Being unaware of local laws and regulations is not an excuse, and you may subject yourself to local fines, or even jail time if you do not abide by local laws and regulations.
Do: Always check local regulations before you travel. If you travel with medication, ensure it’s allowed in your destination. Some countries have strict rules about what can be brought across their borders. Be sure to carry a printed document including all contact information you may need in case of emergency. This document should include your emergency contacts, the phone number of the embassy in the country you are traveling, medical and insurance information, etc. Having this document with you at all times could be the thing that keeps you safe in a moment of crisis.
So what happened to those Americans arrested in Turks and Caicos?
Two of the five Americans have already received their punishment for their respective offenses:
- Bryan Hagerich received a sentence of a $6,700 fine and no time serviced.
- Tyler Wenrich received a sentence of 3-weeks, which have already been served, and a fine of $9,000
- Ryan Watson, Sharitta Grier, and Michael Lee Evans are all still awaiting their sentences.
Traveling should be an enjoyable and enriching experience. By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself from potential risks and focus on making the most of your journey. Always stay informed, vigilant, and prepared, and you’ll be able to travel with peace of mind. Safe travels!