Animal cruelty encompasses behavior harmful to animals ranging from neglect to malicious killing.  Most cruelty investigated by Humane Officers can be resolved through education, if it is unintentional neglect.  Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.  Both types of allegations can be felonies or misdemeanors.  To view the State of California penal codes relating to animal cruelty, click here.  If you suspect cruelty, report it.

Animal cruelty does not include barking dogs, loud cats or loose animals. If you have a problem with a loud animal, call your local police agency. If you see a loose or vicious animal, or an injured animal on the side of the road, call your local animal control.  For a list of local animal control offices, click here. 

For more information about Animal Protection Services, the Law Enforcement Division of spcaLA, click here. 

 

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