How to Report Animal Cruelty

If you see something, say something.

Reporting suspected animal cruelty or neglect can be done anonymously in most areas. You don't have to give your name. You don't have to confront anyone. You just have to make a phone call.This guide walks you through who to call, what to document, and what to expect after you report.

🔍 Who to Call

Start Here

  • Local animal control — Every county has one. Google "[your county] animal control" for the direct number.
  • Local police non-emergency line — If your area doesn't have a dedicated animal control agency, call the police non-emergency number. Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states.
  • 911 — If an animal is in immediate danger or an animal is being actively harmed, call 911.

Anonymous Tip Lines

  • Crime Stoppers: Most cities and counties have a Crime Stoppers line that accepts anonymous tips about all crimes, including animal cruelty. Search "[your city] Crime Stoppers" or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) in many areas.
  • Your state's animal cruelty hotline — Some states have dedicated lines. Check the state-by-state resources below.

State-by-State Resources

The Animal Legal & Historical Center maintains a comprehensive table of reporting agencies for every U.S. state, including who to contact, relevant statutes, and whether your state has mandatory reporting laws.

The ASPCA's reporting guide also provides step-by-step instructions and links to local resources.

🚩 What to Document Before You Call

The more detail you provide, the stronger the case. Document as much as you safely can before making your report:

  • Location: Exact address or description of where the animal is. Include cross streets if you don't know the address.
  • Date and time: When did you observe the situation? How many times have you seen it? Note every instance.
  • Description of the animal: Species, breed (if known), color, size, approximate age. How many animals?
  • What you observed: Be specific and factual. Examples: "Dog chained in yard with no visible water for 3 consecutive days." "Cat appears severely underweight, ribs visible." "Heard repeated yelping/crying from inside the home on [dates]."
  • Photos or video: Take them from public property (sidewalk, street) if you can do so safely. Do not trespass. Timestamped photos are especially valuable.
  • Description of the owner/property: Vehicle descriptions, physical descriptions, anything that helps investigators identify the location and responsible party.

Safety first: Never trespass, confront the owner, or put yourself at risk to gather evidence. Your safety matters too.

📩 What Happens After You Report

  1. Your report is logged. Animal control or law enforcement will create a case file based on your information.
  2. An officer investigates. Depending on severity and resources, an officer will visit the location to assess the situation. This may happen the same day for emergencies, or within days for non-emergency reports.
  3. The officer documents conditions. They'll photograph the scene, assess the animal's condition, and determine whether laws are being violated.
  4. Action is taken. Outcomes range from a warning or education to citations, seizure of the animal, or criminal charges — depending on the severity and state laws.
  5. Follow up. If you provided your contact information, you may be contacted for additional details. If you don't hear back within a reasonable time, call again and ask for an update on the case number.

What If Nothing Happens?

Unfortunately, some agencies are understaffed or slow to act. If your initial report doesn't result in action:

  • File again. Multiple reports on the same address carry more weight than a single call.
  • Contact a different agency. If animal control doesn't act, try the police. If local police don't act, contact your county sheriff or state animal cruelty investigators.
  • Reach out to local rescue organizations. Many rescues have relationships with law enforcement and can help escalate cases.
  • Contact your local media. News coverage of neglect cases often accelerates official response.

Signs of Animal Cruelty or Neglect

Not sure if what you're seeing qualifies? Here are common indicators:

Neglect

  • Severely underweight animal (ribs, spine, hip bones visible)
  • No access to clean water or adequate food
  • No shelter from extreme weather (heat, cold, rain)
  • Untreated injuries or illness (limping, open wounds, discharge from eyes/nose)
  • Matted, filthy coat or overgrown nails
  • Animal chained or tethered 24/7 with limited movement
  • Accumulation of feces in living area
  • Multiple animals in overcrowded conditions

Active Abuse

  • Witnessing someone hitting, kicking, or otherwise physically harming an animal
  • Hearing repeated cries or yelping from inside a home
  • Animals with unexplained injuries (burns, broken bones, wounds)
  • Animals that cower, flinch, or show extreme fear around their owner

When in doubt, report. You are not making an accusation — you are asking trained professionals to check on an animal's welfare. Let them determine whether a crime has occurred.

Know Your State's Laws

Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states. Many states now classify severe animal cruelty as a felony. Some key facts:

  • All 50 states have animal cruelty laws on the books.
  • Most states classify intentional animal cruelty as a felony offense.
  • Some states have mandatory reporting laws — meaning certain professionals (veterinarians, animal control officers) are legally required to report suspected cruelty.
  • The PACT Act (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act) is a federal law signed in 2019 making certain acts of animal cruelty a federal felony.

For a full breakdown of your state's laws, visit the Animal Legal & Historical Center.

Know Your State's Laws

Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states. Many states now classify severe animal cruelty as a felony. Some key facts:

  • All 50 states have animal cruelty laws on the books.
  • Most states classify intentional animal cruelty as a felony offense.
  • Some states have mandatory reporting laws — meaning certain professionals (veterinarians, animal control officers) are legally required to report suspected cruelty.
  • The PACT Act (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act) is a federal law signed in 2019 making certain acts of animal cruelty a federal felony.

For a full breakdown of your state's laws, visit the Animal Legal & Historical Center.

You Don't Have to Be a Hero. You Just Have to Make a Call.

Most animal cruelty happens behind closed doors and fences. The abuser relies on neighbors staying silent. Reporting anonymously takes five minutes — and it might be the only chance that animal ever gets.

Silence isn't neutral. It's a choice.

Looking to verify a rescue organization before donating? Visit our Rescue Verification Hub.

This page is maintained by PACT (Protectors of Animal Cruelty Threats). Sources: ASPCA, Animal Legal & Historical Center, Humane Society of the United States.

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