I am gratified that the public is proactive about gathering video evidence of alleged animal cruelty (“AVA to look into case of man caught on video abusing dog”; May 24).

Animal welfare legislation must be enforced as a deterrent to owners who disregard their pets’ welfare, and more measures must be put in place to stop animal cruelty, which cannot be tolerated.

Such acts cause emotional and physical stress on animals, which will affect their well-being in the long run. They might be left with injuries that could be life-threatening if untreated.

The public should be encouraged to report abuse cases, with evidence, to animal welfare groups like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

This allows these groups to work closely with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and the police in investigations. The groups can assess the situation before a decision is made about whether an animal should be removed from the property.

Urgent action must be taken once an act of animal cruelty has been identified. Providing medical care to ensure the animal’s safety should be a priority. Getting the police to assist animal welfare groups in abuse cases is thus important.

If need be, charges should be pressed, and guilty owners cannot be allowed to keep pets for a time. Disciplining a pet is part of responsible ownership, but there are humane ways of correcting animal behaviour without resorting to violence.

The public has a big role to play in reporting abuse so that animal welfare is not compromised. It is necessary to educate the public on the right channels and relevant groups for reporting such acts and to be vigilant.

Closer collaboration involving the police and the AVA can allow abused animals to get the help they need. It takes everyone’s combined efforts to stop animal cruelty and for animal rights to be respected.