To report animal cruelty or neglect, call your local animal control agency, humane law enforcement officer or police department, and give the location, a description of what you saw, dates and times, and any photos or video you safely took. If an animal is being hurt right now or is in immediate danger, call 911. Most agencies accept anonymous reports, although giving your contact details can help investigators follow up.
Who investigates cruelty depends on where you live: in some areas it is animal control, in others the police or sheriff, and in some states humane society or SPCA officers have legal authority. This guide explains what counts as cruelty, how to document it and what happens after you report.
What counts as cruelty or neglect
Animal cruelty laws vary by state, but most cover:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Neglect | No food or clean water, no shelter from heat or cold, untreated injuries or illness, filthy living conditions, embedded collars |
| Abandonment | Leaving an animal behind after moving, or dumping an animal |
| Intentional cruelty | Beating, torturing or deliberately injuring an animal |
| Animal fighting | Dog fighting or cockfighting, including spectating in many states |
| Hoarding | Keeping more animals than a person can care for, often in poor conditions |
| Hot cars | Leaving an animal in a vehicle in dangerous heat |
All 50 states have felony provisions for some forms of animal cruelty. At the federal level, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act of 2019 made certain extreme acts of animal cruelty a federal crime, and animal fighting is also a federal offense. For questions about the law in your situation, check your state statutes or ask a lawyer.
Who to call
- Emergency happening now: Call 911.
- Animal control: Most cities and counties have an animal control agency that investigates neglect and cruelty. See what animal control does.
- Police or sheriff: Use the non-emergency line if there is no animal control agency, or if the case involves other crimes.
- Humane law enforcement: In some states, officers employed by a local SPCA or humane society have legal authority to investigate.
- Animal fighting: Report to local police. National groups such as the ASPCA and HSUS (now Humane World for Animals) also accept tips about animal fighting.
- Farm animals or wildlife: Your state department of agriculture or state wildlife agency may handle these cases.
If you are not sure who handles cruelty in your area, call your local shelter and ask. You can find shelters and agencies on the near me page.
How to document what you see
Good documentation helps investigators act. Only gather information when it is safe and legal to do so. Do not trespass or confront anyone.
- Location: Exact address or landmarks
- Animals: Number, species, color and description
- What you saw: Specific details, such as "dog chained without water in direct sun for six hours"
- Dates and times: Keep a written log, especially for ongoing neglect
- Photos or video: Taken from public property or your own property
- Weather: Temperature and conditions, if relevant
- Witnesses: Names and contact details of others who saw it
- People involved: Description or name if known, and vehicle details
Write down the name of the person you speak with and any report or case number.
What happens after you report
- Review. The agency reviews the report and decides on urgency.
- Investigation. An officer may visit the property, talk with the owner and examine the animals.
- Education or orders. In many neglect cases, officers first educate owners and order corrections, such as providing proper shelter.
- Follow-up. Officers may return to check that conditions improved.
- Seizure or charges. In serious cases, animals may be removed and charges filed. Seized animals often go to a shelter while the case is pending.
Investigations can take time, and privacy rules may limit what the agency can tell you. If conditions do not improve, report again with new documentation.
If you see a pet in a hot car
Call 911 or local animal control and stay near the car if you can. Some states have laws allowing people to break into a car to rescue an animal in danger under specific conditions, while others allow only officials to do so. Check your state's rules before acting.
Protecting yourself
- Do not enter private property or confront the owner
- Do not take an animal yourself, which may be illegal and can complicate the case
- Keep your own safety first, especially in suspected animal fighting or hoarding cases
Supporting cruelty victims
Animals seized in cruelty cases often need long-term care. You can help by donating to shelters that take them in, fostering, or volunteering. See how to help a shelter.