Your gut knows best, so if you suspect animal cruelty or abuse it is your job to do something about it. Animal cruelty and abuse comes in many forms. From lack of proper care and physical abuse (being tied to a tree in the cold or heat) or violence, to neglect, abandonment, animal fighting, and inadequate shelter. There are many forms of cruelty or abuse.
Many years ago, in the freezing winter, I was woke by a dog barking and barking and barking. Finally I got out of bed and went to my window. It was clear that dog was outside at 2 a.m. and freezing for hours. I say hours because it took me about at least an hour to find the information I needed to make a phone call.
I write this post hoping that it will save you time and maybe an animals life. I know my call did early hours of that day. I did not care that my neighbor would probably hate me or that it that there may have been a reason the dog was outside. It didn’t matter. It is not my job to figure it out. Had it been during the day, I might’ve walked down and knocked on the door. But it was not, and I was not going to wait until morning with the freezing temperatures.
This happens more often than not. People think, it’s not my problem – but it is. It is your responsibility. If not you, then who? Okay, I am done preaching … here is the information you need.
The best thing you can do is report your suspicions of cruelty to your local law enforcement agency, humane organization, animal control agency or taxpayer-funded animal shelter.
ASPCA
Reporting Abuse
Report Animal Abuse To The ASPCA Here
Report Animal Abuse To The Humane Society Here
What information do you need?
What did you observe? Note the date(s), time(s), and factual statements.
If possible, video or pictures (without putting yourself in danger).
Witnesses and contact information.
Provide your information, as most cruelty and abuse is not pursued unless witnesses are willing to stand by their statements.
Document everything (who did you contact, date, time, and outcome of discussion).