Recognizing and Reporting Animal Cruelty and Neglect 

Recognizing and Reporting Animal Cruelty and Neglect 

Do you love animals as much as we do? If so, you never want to stay quiet if you know someone abusing animals. One of the best things you can do is report your suspicions of abuse and neglect to the appropriate enforcement authorities in your hometown.  Please continue reading our article to learn more about recognizing and reporting animal abuse and neglect.

Recognizing Animal Cruelty and Neglect – Animal cruelty findings are ultimately legal determinations that depend on the laws where you live. Generally, animal cruelty falls into two categories: intentional acts of harm or neglect, such as failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, and shelter. Determining whether someone committed an act of cruelty against an animal depends on a complete investigation by the appropriate authorities.

Physical and environmental conditions may raise concerns about animal cruelty.

Physical Signs:  

  • Extreme thinness or emaciation – bones may be visible 
  • A person striking or physically abusing an animal 
  • A tight collar which has caused a wound in the animal’s neck 
  • Signs of illness or injury that are not being treated 
  • Fur infested with fleas, parasites, or ticks 
  • Signs of inadequate grooming 

Environmental Signs:  

  • Animals confined outside for long periods without food or water 
  • Animals confined outside in inclement weather without access to shelter 
  • Animals confined to a space that is littered with feces, urine, broken glass, garbage, or other objects that may cause harm 
  • Animals confined to kennels or cages that are too small to allow for adequate movement 

Reporting Animal Cruelty and Neglect – If you witness a crime in progress, please call 911. If you suspect someone is abusing or neglecting animals, contact the agency responsible for enforcing animal laws. You may need to contact the local police, SPCA, animal control, or other local organizations. As a general rule, if you are unsure whom to contact, you can contact your local police or animal control to find out.

You must have as much information as possible when you report suspicion of animal cruelty or abuse. Include dates and times of your observations in addition to factual statements. Also, include witnesses who may be willing to speak with law enforcement. Furthermore, videos or pictures of the alleged abuse will serve as evidence. We hope our article helped you understand that reporting animal abuse and neglect is essential. Your goodwill may help save an innocent life of an animal.