By Sam Mazzota
King Syndicate
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: It seems like every day I see another news story about animals being rescued from terrible situations: hoarding, breeding mills, and so on. I want to help, but I can’t keep animals due to my apartment building’s rules. What can I do? I’m tired of feeling helpless. — Macy G., Smyrna, Georgia
DEAR MACY: You are awesome. Thank you for wanting to step in and take action to stop animal abuse. That’s the first, most important step.
Now, here’s the next step: You can make a difference right in your community, primarily by being watchful and noticing the pets and other animals in the neighborhood. Does a neighbor’s dog look emaciated or cower around their owner? Take notes. On your daily drive, notice the animals that you pass. Is there a house with a lot of animals living outside? If you pass a farm or barn that has livestock or horses, how do the animals look? Are their ribs showing? Do they seem neglected?
From here, take steps:
— Talk to your neighbors. Learn whether they’ve noticed the same things.
— Create a WhatsApp or Signal group where members can privately share information.
— Get the phone number and email address of the local authority where you can make reports about possible animal cruelty. This may be animal control or the police department.
— When you make a report, include as many details as possible.
Another way to get involved is to support your local animal shelter. Donate funds, food, or bedding. Ask about volunteering a few hours a month. Shelters are often the first place that rescued animals are taken to — and the more resources they have, the better they can respond to the needs of these victims.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
