Reporting animal abuse

By Jennifer Kunz, AnimalForum.com staff

Every year thousands of cases of animal abuse are reported to humane societies across the country. Thousands more go unreported, some because no one noticed and some because no one knew how to report the incident properly. Investigators from humane societies require a certain amount of information in order to open a file and investigate an incident or complaint.

If you wish to report a case of animal abuse, be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name, address and phone number.
  
  
• The address/location of the problem.
  
  
• The nature of the problem -- Is food, water or shelter being denied? Is the animal being beaten? You must know the conditions.
  
  
• What kind of animal is it?
  
  
• All information that you have regarding the owner. The owner's name at the very least, if possible.
  
  
• In cases involving abuse where criminal charges are going to be laid, photographic or video evidence of the conditions or incident are also helpful. Often the investigators will handle this themselves if they feel it is warranted
  

Providing all of this information allows investigators to make the best-informed decision that they can and speeds their investigation time. The faster they get this information, the faster they can get out to investigate and possibly rescue an animal in desperate need. Know the phone number of your local humane society and call them if you suspect animal abuse of any kind. Public support is essential to improving the lives of pets and animals everywhere.