How To Report Cruelty to Animals
Reporting animal cruelty is important. Sadly it often goes unnoticed, leaving many animals to suffer. There are organizations that help animals, as well as the local police. Animal cruelty is a crime and is punishable with fines and/or jail time. If you see signs of abuse, take the time to report it and save a life.
- Reporting cruelty can be as simple as calling your local police department. In smaller rural towns, the police department is the only animal enforcement there is. The police have the authority to write tickets, remove the animals and arrest the owners.
- Larger cities have the ASPCA or Animal Control Officers. These officers go through special training to recognize the signs of cruelty and to identify a sick or wounded animal. Their knowledge allows them to visually inspect a situation and make a quick determination on the next course of action.
- If you are unsure how to make the call, then talk with your local animal shelter or groups such as the Humane Society or PAWS. Both groups work hand in hand to save animals.
Steps to report cruelty
- Write down the details of what you have witnessed
- Have an address and owners name, if possible.
- Call one of the following services: police, animal control or animal shelter. You do not have to give your name.
- Explain what you have seen. Give the information and if you are willing to, give a witness statement.
- Officers will come, assess the situation and take the appropriate action.