Adams Man Starting Organization to Target Animal Abuse
 Officer Curtis Crane and Kumar will be liaison between the Police Department and the new PAWS group to deal with animal abuse. |
ADAMS, Mass. — A local animal rights advocate wants to create a PAWS organization and is seeking members.
Roy Thompson, founder of the Adams Friends of Animals, plans to start a local "Pet Animal Welfare Society" focused on keeping a watchful eye on any cases of animal abuse.
Thompson said the Adams branch of PAWS will be called Protecting Animals Welfare Samaritans. He said people need to look out for the town’s animals.
"It is our duty to stand up for animals," Thompson said. "They dont have a voice and it is up to us to protect them — they deserve it."
Thompson said he does not believe Adams has a high case of animal abuse, but believes it still happens.
"This is something we want people to hear and be aware of," Thompson said. "I don't think it is a problem in Adams, but I believe there is more than what we see. You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors and some people hide it."
Thompson held the first PAWS meeting earlier in November. He said Police Chief Richard Tarsa was present along with Officer Curtis Crane of the Adams K-9 unit.
Tarsa said he sees the police department's K-9 unit as an integral part of this PAWS initiative.
"This program PAWS is to bring awareness to animal cruelty and what better way to do that then with our K-9 program in Adams with Kumar and Officer Krane," Tarsa said. "Officer Crane is going to be the contact person or point person for the Adams Police Department to work with Roy on this program."
Tarsa said a big part of the program is networking and awareness. He said if anyone suspects animal abuse they should call the police department. He said you should never approach a suspected perpetrator because there could be aggression.
He added that with colder weather arriving it is important for people to look out for animals being left out in the cold.
Thompson added that Tarsa said police cannot be everywhere and is important for people to keep their eyes open for any abuse.
"People are responsible for upholding these laws in my opinion because the police can't be everywhere," Thompson said. "We want people to be more aware of cruelty and use common sense. Report on any cruelty you see and use common sense any doubt at all will permit it."
The group is still in its early phases and Thompson is seeking input and involvement. He said anyone interested can contact him at 413-743-9319.
"It breaks my heart when I see any animal abuse," he said. "Someone has to do it for the animals."
Tags: animal abuse, pets,
