What should I do if I encounter a mortally wounded cat or dog on the side of the road?
While riding my bicycle I encountered cats and dogs who were hit by cars, were barely alive, and were obviously beyond saving. They were just laying at the side of the road, and visibly suffering. I have no training or experience in dealing with such a situation. If I can see that the animal is beyond saving, the only thing which keeps me from doing what I believe would be the right thing, is the lack of knowledge. My physical condition is not a problem, I just don't want to cause even more suffering by doing it the wrong way.
How can one save such an animal from suffering in a quick and sure way, without causing extra suffering to it? I'm interested in both the case where I can prepare and have some equipment on me, and the case where I am completely unprepared and empty-handed.
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If you are not trained for such diagnosis and the pet is not your property then it is not your place to make the decision or to take action.
In the US, the best course of action is to contact your local animal control and alert them to the suffering creature. If you do not have that information then you can call 911 and they will send out the appropriate responder.
If you are near a home there is a good chance that the animal belongs to one of the nearby homes. If it is not the person who you first contact there is a good chance they will know who do own the pet. Either they or you can then alert the owner and they can make the appropriate calls.
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