Where to Report Animal Cruelty

Try to gather the following information before submitting a report of animal cruelty:

• Please write a report of what was observed, including dates and approximate times, to provide to law enforcement. The more thorough the report, the more it will help the investigation.
• Take photographs of the situation including the animal and the environment for supporting evidence, if possible. Note: never enter another person’s property without permission and exercise caution.
• Record names and contact information of those involved, if known. Also include those who might have firsthand information about the abusive situation.

 Physical Signs of Cruelty

• Collars causing neck wounds or embedding
• Signs of multiple wounds, ongoing injuries that remain untreated or open wounds
• Extreme loss of hair, scaly skin, rashes or other seemingly untreated skin conditions
• Extreme thinness—bones may be visible
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs of Cruelty

• Animals are alone and tied up for long periods of time without access to adequate food or water
• Animals are living in harmful environmental situations such as excessive garbage, broken glass or other dangerous objects
• Pet housing is too small to accommodate their body sizes

Much of the above information was obtained from the ASPCA. Obtain more information about animal cruelty and reporting here: https://www.aspca.org/take-action/report-animal-cruelty.