Animal Cruelty Investigations

REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY

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. If you suspect cruelty, report it.

Please note, if an animal is in immediate danger, such as a dog locked in a hot car, call 911. Read more about correctly filing an animal cruelty complaint.

Is it Animal Cruelty?
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.