The following table, while not exhaustive, provides information on where to report animal cruelty. If you do not find a local contact in your region on this table, you can conduct a search on your favorite search engine for local law enforcement, an animal shelter/control agency, or a humane society.
2. Where do I report animal cruelty?
3. What if I can’t find my city, village, of county on the table?
5. Where do I report a federal Animal Welfare Act violation?
6. Where do I report cruelty to livestock?
7. What about websites that depict animal cruelty?
8. What information should I have on hand when I make a report of animal cruelty?
1. What is animal cruelty?
All states make animal cruelty a crime. Yet, what might be cruel to you may be lawful within a state, as some people have different opinions on how animals should be treated that differ from statutory provisions. To find out how your state defines animal cruelty, click on your state in the table below. Additionally, many cities and counties have animal cruelty provisions in their ordinances, so you may also want to search your local laws to find out what constitutes animal cruelty in your municipality or city.
Felony vs. misdemeanor offenses
Generally, a statute will define an act of animal cruelty as either a misdemeanor or a felony, but some states, specifically North Dakota and South Dakota , do not have felony animal cruelty provisions. Please note, however, that on April 29, 2013, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple signed a bill that makes animal cruelty a Class C felony. Within states that have felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty provisions, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge does not rely on a single factor; instead, the difference usually depends on many factors. The following provides some examples of how states determine an act of animal cruelty to be either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Severity of the offense
One difference between a felony and a misdemeanor depends on the severity of the act (in law, the prohibited act is known as the actus reas ) that a person does to an animal. For example, in New York, a person commits a felony if he or she intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious injury to a companion animal with conduct that is either intended to cause extreme physical pain or that is done in a depraved or sadistic manner (see NY AGRI & MKTS § 353-a ). A misdemeanor, on the other hand, occurs when a person “overdrives, overloads, tortures or cruelly beats or unjustifiably injures, maims, mutilates or kills any animal, whether wild or tame, and whether belonging to himself or to another” (see NY AGRI & MKTS § 353 ).
Mental state of the abuser
In combination with the severity of the prohibited act, the mental state of the person (in law, known as the mens rea ) also determines whether or not an act is a felony or a misdemeanor. In criminal statutes, such as animal cruelty statutes, words like intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, willfully and maliciously, etc. signifies the mens rea. Also note that the same mental state may be present in both a misdemeanor and a felony prohibited act. For instance, in West Virginia (see WV ST § 61-8-19(a)(1)(C)(i) ), a person who intentionally withholds proper food and water to an animal may be guilty of a misdemeanor, while a person who intentionally mutilates an animal (see WV ST § 61-8-19(b) ) may be guilty of a felony.
Type of animal abused
Aside from severity of the act and the person’s mental state, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony may also depend on the type of animal involved in the cruelty charge. For instance, in Pennsylvania, felony provisions are geared towards zoo animals ( PA ST 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5511 (a)(2)(i-ii) ), while misdemeanor provisions are geared towards domestic animals belonging to a person other than the one committing the crime or a cat or dog belonging to the person committing the crime (see PA ST 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5511(a)(1)(i-ii) and PA ST 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5511(a)(2.1)(i)(A-B) ). The New York statute, mentioned previously, also provides an example of how an act might either be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on whether or not the animal is a companion animal (see NY AGRI & MKTS § 353-a for felony provisions against a companion animal and NY AGRI & MKTS § 353 for misdemeanor provisions against any animal).
Ownership of the animal and repeat offenders
Also note that the grade of a misdemeanor (i.e., a first degree misdemeanor, a second degree misdemeanor, a third degree misdemeanor, etc.) may change depending on the ownership of the animal or the type of animal. Additionally, whether or not a person repeatedly violates certain provisions of a cruelty statute may also be used in determining whether the crime is a felony or a misdemeanor (see OH ST § 959.99(E)(1) or NE ST § 28-1009 (2)(a) for examples). Again, the above factors are examples of the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in animal cruelty statutes and may or may not be present in all statutes. Yet, all criminal statutes, like animal cruelty statutes, will contain an actus reas and a mens rea .
Possible signs of animal cruelty
While reading through a state’s law to find out what constitutes animal abuse may be cumbersome, there are some tell-tale signs that may put you on alert. For instance, signs of multiple healed wounds or an untreated injury or medical condition may be a sign, as well as witnessing an owner physically abusing an animal. An animal that is extremely emaciated may also be a sign of animal abuse.
Once someone witnesses animal cruelty, however, often times he or she may be unsure of where to report it. This table and FAQ are here to help guide you on how to report animal cruelty.
2. Where do I report animal cruelty?
Once animal cruelty is suspected, there may be concerns of where to report it. Where you report it may depend on several factors, such as whether or not the animal is considered a livestock animal, if the abuse occurred at a neighbor's or a pet store, or if there is a dog fight currently in progress. The following explains where to report cruelty in general, while the following questions will explain where to report cruelty happening in pet stores, kennels, and breeding facilities; and where to report cruelty towards livestock and farm animals.
Reporting to law enforcement
Since all state statutes make animal cruelty a crime, the best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911.
Reporting to a SPCA or humane society
While your local law enforcement is the easiest answer to this question, some states—though not all—authorize humane societies or societies for the prevention of animal cruelty (SPCA) to investigate animal cruelty complaints (see the Humane Society Enforcement Table for states that allow humane societies to investigate animal cruelty). Additionally, some municipalities and counties –but not all— also authorize their animal control officers to investigate animal abuse. Reporting to a humane society, a SPCA or animal control can get confusing, however, because not all humane societies, SPCAs, and animal control officers within a single state are authorized to investigate animal cruelty complaints. Additionally, some states limit what types of animal cruelty complaints a humane society, SPCA, or animal control unit can investigate. For instance, in Florida, animal control officers are only allowed to investigate civil infractions, not felonies or misdemeanors, related to animal cruelty (see F.S.A. § 828.27(1)(b) ); an SPCA, on the other hand, can investigate all animal cruelty violations (see F.S.A. § 828.03(1) ). If that sounds confusing, some states—specifically, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah—offer a statewide animal cruelty hotline that you can use in order to report animal abuse.
Yet, some humane societies, SCPAs, and animal control agencies that are not authorized to investigate animal cruelty complaints may take your complaint to the proper authorities for you. Also, upon contacting a humane society, SPCA, or animal control agency, these organizations may alert you of the proper place to report animal cruelty.
Reporting using the Animal Legal Defense Fund mobile phone application
For mobile device users, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has created a free smartphone and Android app—called the ALDF Crime Tips—that allows you to send audio, video, picture, and GPS information regarding animal cruelty to the nearest authorities. Go to this page to learn more: http://aldf.org/article.php?id=2326
Citizen complaints and civil injunctions
A state may also allow citizens to initiate an action in court against someone who commits animal cruelty. For instance, Minnesota allows a citizen to apply directly to a court in a competent jurisdiction in order to issue a warrant and start an investigation into a suspected case of animal cruelty (see M.S.A. § 343.22 ). First, however, a citizen in Minnesota must establish, through affidavits, grounds for belief or probable cause that a violation of Minnesota's cruelty statutes has occurred before a judge in a competent jurisdiction will issue a warrant and order a police investigation. Likewise, North Carolina allows a person who observes animal cruelty to file a complaint in a district court where an act of animal cruelty is believed to have occurred (see NC ST § 19A-1 to 19A-4 ). The North Carolina statute permits the judge to determine the merits of an action by trial without a jury; the statute also gives the judge discretion to issue a preliminary injunction, a permanent injunction, or to dismiss the case all together.
3. What if I can’t find my city, village, of county on the table?
While the table below provides you with many places to report animal cruelty, please note that it is not a complete list. If you do not find your county, municipality or region on the table, you can conduct a search using your favorite search engine to contact local authorities. For instance, a simple search of your city and your state followed by the words “report animal cruelty” or “report animal abuse” or “police department” should provide you with the information you are seeking. If one search engine does not provide you with the information that you are seeking, try searching another. For instance, if you search on Yahoo and are not happy with the results, try Google or Bing. Since different search engines index different websites on the Internet and use different formulas to structure results, you may find more resources using multiple search engines rather than just relying on a single search engine.
4. Where do I report animal cruelty found in pet stores, kennels, boarding facilities, pounds, and commercial breeders?
No U.S. state exempts pet stores, kennels, boarding facilities, pound or commercial breeders from their statutes. In fact, Virginia’s cruelty statute specifically states that the animal welfare provisions apply to every pound, animal shelter, or other releasing agency, and every foster care provider, dealer, pet shop, exhibitor, kennel, groomer, and boarding establishment (see VA ST § 3.2-6503(A) ). So, you can report cruelty observed in these facilities to the local authorities and, in some cases, the proper SPCA, animal control or humane society.
Additionally, a few states require pet stores, kennels, boarding facilities and breeders to obtain a license before they begin operations. In order to obtain a license for operations, a state will often require a specific government department to inspect the premises of the pet stores, kennel, boarding and breeding facilities These inspections usually require that animals are provided with proper care, food, water, sanitation, and shelter before a license is issued. If pet shops, kennels, boarding or breeding facilities violate these provisions, they may have their license suspended and may also face fines (see CT ST § 22-344 and RI ST § 4-19-5 to 9 for examples of statutory provisions that require a pet store, kennel, boarding facility or breeder to meet certain animal care standards in order to obtain and maintain a license). Thus, in addition to reporting animal cruelty to local authorities, in some instances, you may report animal abuse in a pet store, kennel, boarding facility or breeding facility to a state agency. Please note, however, some licensing inspections may only cover the care of cat and dogs (or just dogs).
Aside from state licensing requirements, many municipalities also have ordinances regarding the licensing of pet shops and kennels. So, you may want to look up your local government's code for more guidance on where to report suspected animal cruelty in a pet shop, kennel, or breeding facility as well. Unfortunately, the Animal Legal and Historical Center website does not contain every ordinance in existence in the United States. So, if you do not find your municipality's ordinance on this website, you may wish to pull up your local government's website or search the Municode or American Legal websites for your specific municipality's ordinance.
Certain large-scale dog and cat breeders who supply animals on the wholesale level to pet stores, research facilities, or brokers are also regulated at the federal level. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires certain breeders to become licensed and meet minimum standards of care. The USDA's Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the agency responsible for licensing and inspection. This does NOT include those retailers or breeders who sell animals directly to the public. You can go APHIS to learn more about reporting AWA violations.
5. Where do I report federal Animal Welfare Act violations?
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is a federal law that covers animals used in research, exhibition, transportation, and animals sold by dealers. The act establishes minimum standards of care for animals covered under the act. It also requires these animal dealers or exhibitors to be licensed and submit to periodic inspections by the USDA's Animal Plant and Health Inspection Services (APHIS). Some examples of animal owners that would fall under the AWA include large scale commercial dog breeders that sell to pet stores or other dog brokers, owners of traveling exotic animal exhibitions, and university animal research facilities. These businesses may hold a Class "A," "B," or "C" license from the USDA. In order for a violation to be reported to APHIS, the individual must be licensed by the agency. You can search inspection records for licenses at the USDA-APHIS Database . Keep in mind that APHIS can only consider complaints for those individuals licensed under the federal AWA; all other cruelty violations should be reported to local law enforcement.
When reporting an AWA violation, know that only certain animals are covered. These animals include any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warm blooded animal. The use of the phrase “any other warm blooded animal” excludes cold blooded animals, like fish and reptiles, from coverage. The act also explicitly excludes rats and mice for use in research; horses not used for research purposes; and other farm animals used or intended for use as food or fiber. 7 USC § 2132(g) . For further information on the Animal Welfare Act, its related regulations, and case law, please check out the Animal Legal and Historical Center’s overview of the act.
If, after reading the standards of care, you believe you have knowledge of an AWA violation, you can report it anonymously to APHIS using this online form . APHIS indicates that it evaluates all complaints "seriously" and will look into each complaint "thoroughly."
6. Where do I report cruelty to livestock?
While you can utilize some of the same resources to report animal cruelty as mentioned in "Where Do I Report Animal Cruelty" column in the table below, you may also be able to report livestock cruelty to a government agency or another specified institution. In Tennessee, for instance, SPCAs are authorized to investigate animal cruelty complaints for non-livestock animals (see T.C.A. § 39-14-210(a) ), but section 39-14-211 of West’s Tennessee Code Annotated authorizes a county’s agricultural extension agent, a graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine specializing in livestock practice or a graduate from an accredited college of agriculture with a specialty in livestock to investigate livestock cruelty.
Additionally, many states may exempt commonly accepted livestock and animal husbandry practices from their animal cruelty statutes. This does not mean you should not report cases of suspected livestock animal abuse; it does mean, however, that certain practices such as humane slaughter or branding may fall within the commonly accepted livestock and animal husbandry practices exemptions.
Furthermore, while a state may exempt certain practices from its cruelty statute, it may also have specific provisions for livestock that differ from the provisions of the general animal cruelty statutes. For instance, while Wyoming exempts use of industry accepted agricultural and livestock practices on livestock (see WY ST § 6-3-203(m)(ii) ), Wyoming has a specific livestock cruelty statute that prohibits a person from failing to provide supply sufficient wholesome food and water to a livestock animal during confinement (see WY ST § 11-29-103(a) ). The Wyoming statute also grants authority to a government agency, the Wyoming Livestock Board (see WY ST § 11-29-109 ), to take charge of a livestock animal found abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated as defined in Wyoming’s general cruelty statute (see WY ST § 6-3-203 ). Additionally, Texas has separate provisions for cruelty to livestock animals and cruelty to non-livestock animals within its cruelty statutes . For instance, in Texas, while livestock that are treated in accordance with accepted and lawful animal husbandry or agricultural practices are exempted from the cruelty provisions (see TX PENAL § 42.09(f)(2) ), a person who “intentionally or knowingly tortures a livestock animal; fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal in the person's custody; abandons unreasonably a livestock animal in the person's custody; transports or confines a livestock animal in a cruel and unusual manner; administers poison to a livestock animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or goats, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent; causes one livestock animal to fight with another livestock animal or with an animal as defined by Section 42.092; uses a live livestock animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a racetrack; trips a horse; or seriously overworks a livestock animal” is not (see TX PENAL § 42.09(a)(1-9) ). Please note, however, that in Texas, unlike Wyoming, there is no special government agency to report livestock abuse too; you report livestock abuse as you would non-livestock abuse.
Also note that two states, Utah, see U.C.A. 1953 § 76-9-301(1)(b)(2)(C) , and Nebraska, see Neb. Rev. St. § 28-1008(2) , specifically exclude livestock animals from their definition of “animal” within their cruelty statutes. However, Utah only exempts livestock if the livestock is treated in accordance with accepted animal husbandry practices or customary farming practices. This means that livestock not treated in accordance with these practices are included in Utah’s definition of animal and are therefore afforded protection under Utah’s cruelty statute. Nebraska, on the other hand, exempts all livestock from its general cruelty statute, but has a specific cruelty statute that offers protection to livestock. The Nebraskan Livestock Welfare Act makes the intentional abandonment, neglect, or cruel mistreatment of livestock (bovine, equine, swine, sheep, goats, domesticated cervine animals (deer), ratite birds (ostrich, emu. etc.), or poultry) a Class I misdemeanor or Class IV felony for subsequent offenses(see NE ST § 54-903(1) ).
7. What about websites that depict animal cruelty?
While some websites depict disturbing and tasteless images of animal cruelty, these images may not be proof that an actual animal was harmed; instead, the images may be computer generated. While you are free to voice your own disgust of these websites, the websites that depict pictures of animal cruelty where no cruelty has actually occurred, may be protected under the First Amendment. However, if the images are depicting actual acts of animal cruelty, you may want to contact the Department of Justice , the Federal Bureau of Investigation , your local law enforcement, the Internet Service Provider (as the images may conflict with the provider's terms of service), the domain owner, or a SPCA/humane society in order to report these sites.
8. What information should I have on hand when I make a report of animal cruelty?
When reporting animal cruelty, pictures and video evidence can help bolster your case, but please only take photos and video when you can safely and legally obtain them. To also help your case, you should also keep records of the time, the place, and the people who were involved in the cruelty, as well as the names of the people who may have witnessed the abuse. In other words, provide the authorities with a clear and concise written statement of what you observed. In addition to keeping records of what you observed, also record any and all phone calls or e-mails you made to the authorities in order to report the abuse.
While you may remain anonymous when reporting a case of animal cruelty, please note that some reporting authorities may not offer you that option. If you find one that does not offer you that option, you may look to report the cruelty somewhere else, but plenty of advocacy sites encourage you to remain known in case they need a witness to testify against the accused.
9. How does this table work?
On the table located below, you will find three broad categories that provides link on where to report animal cruelty in general; where to report cruelty witnessed in pet stores; and where to report livestock and farm animal cruelty. While the table offers many links to specific jurisdictions, please remember that this is not an exhaustive list of all the places where you can report cruelty and you may need to use a search engine to find out where you can report animal cruelty in your municipality or county. Also note that these three categories may sometimes overlap. For instance, as no state exempts cruelty to animals in pet stores, kennels, boarding facilities or breeders, you may use the same links in the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column in addition to the information provided in the "Where to Report Cruelty Witnessed in Pet Stores, Kennels, Boarding Facilities or Breeders." Furthermore, you may also use the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column in addition to the information in the "Where to Report Cruelty to Livestock and Farm Animal Cruelty." Although a state, like Texas, may have separate cruelty provisions for livestock animals and for companion animals.
| State CRUELTY LAWs | Where to Report Animal Cruelty | Where to Report Cruelty in Pet Stores, Kennels, Commercial Breeder Establishments, Pounds, or Shelters. | Where to Report Livestock and Farm Animal Cruelty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, humane societies and animal related agencies you can use to report animal cruelty: Greater Birmingham Humane Society Mobile County SPCA provides some information for reporting animal cruelty Alabama SPCA does not investigate cruelty, but will forward the complaint to the appropriate authorities US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Alabama does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its cruelty statutes. However, Alabama provides provisions for livestock care in transit and in markets; see AL ST § 2-15-110. See the Where to Report Animal Cruelty column for reporting links.
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| Alaska |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources that you can use to report animal cruelty: Department of Environmental Conservation
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Alaska has an exception for animal husbandry in its cruelty statutes, see A. S. § 11.61.140(c)(3). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Arizona |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources that you can use to report animal cruelty: Arizona Humane Society (covers Phoenix and Scottsdale, but provides contact information for other cities):
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona (scroll down to the bottom for a number)
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Arizona has an exception for activities regulated by the AZ Department of Agriculture in its cruelty statutes, see AZ ST § 13-2910 (C)(3). You can report livestock cruelty to:
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| Arkansas |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Montgomery County Humane Society Humane Society of Garland County
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Health, State Board of Health (for retail pet stores)
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Arkansas has an exception for animal husbandry in its cruelty statutes, see A.C.A. § 5-62-105(a)(5). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| California |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: LA SPCA (Southern California): Southern California Animal Control Agencies
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. | California does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Colorado |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society and Bureau of Animal Protection US Humane Society resources Sturm College of Law resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Colorado Department of Agriculture
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Colorado has an exception for accepted animal husbandry in its cruelty statutes, see C. R. S. A. § 18-9-201.5. However, you can report cruelty to livestock here: Colorado Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division
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| Connecticut |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Department of Agriculture Animal Control Division
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Agriculture Animal Control Division
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Connecticut has an exception for approved methods of slaughter for intentional cruelty, but not neglect, under its cruelty statutes, see CT ST § 53-247(b). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Delaware |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Kennel or Retail Dog Outlet Specifically for treatment of dogs, see 9 Del.C. § 903 Contact a Dog Control Agent in your county, see 9 Del.C. § 901(3) for a definition of a dog control agent |
Delaware has an exception for killing animals raised for food if the killing is not cruel under its cruelty statutes, see 11 Del. C. § 1325(b)(4). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| D.C. |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: See reporting requirements: DC ST § 22-1002.01
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (for pet stores)
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The District of Columbia does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Florida |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Animal Rights Foundation of Florida provides contacts for all Florida counties US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Florida does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. However, Florida does have provisions for killing cattle and horses, see FL ST § 828.12 and FL ST § 828.125. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Georgia |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Advice from the Department of Agriculture
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division Animal Protection
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Georgia has an exception for accepted animal husbandry under its general cruelty statutes, see GA .ST. § 16-12-4(e). Also see the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. However, you can report cruelty to livestock here: Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Equine Health
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| Hawaii |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: US Humane Society resources Hawaii Humane Society (county of Honolulu)
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Hawaii does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Idaho |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Idaho Humane Society (Ada County) Advice from the Department of Agriculture
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Idaho has an exception for humane slaughter of animals raised for food or fiber under its cruelty statutes, see I.C. § 25-3514. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. However, you can report cruelty to livestock here: Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division
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| Illinois |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Animal Rescue of Illinois provides some information on where to report Illinois Department of Agriculture
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Illinois Department of Agriculture
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Illinois has an exception for animal husbandry under its cruelty statutes, see I.C. § 25-3514. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Indiana |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Indiana State Board of Animal Health
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Indiana has an exception for acceptable farm management practices under its cruelty statutes, see I.C. 35-46-3-5(a)(5)(c). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. However, here is some advice from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.
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| Iowa |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Statewide, Animal Rescue League of Iowa Cruelty Investigator: (515) 284-6905 Information on reporting cruelty in Iowa
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Animal Industry Bureau
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Iowa has a specific provision for livestock abuse, see IA ST § 717.7A, and the Iowa cruelty statutes indicate that you should report livestock abuse to local law enforcement, see IA ST § 717.7A.
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| Kansas |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society of Greater Kansas City Animal Control Resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: For Pet Shops, contact the Commissioner of Department of Agriculture
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Kansas has an exception for normal animal husbandry practices under its cruelty statutes, see K. S. A. § 21-6412(c)(6). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Kentucky |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Kentucky Animal Welfare Alliance instructs to report to the County-Judge Executive and sheriffs, but the link that provides the information is broke, so use this.
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Kentucky has an exception for killing animals for food processing or agricultural purposes under its cruelty statutes, see KRS § 525.130. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. However, you can also report livestock cruelty to:
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| Louisiana |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty:
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: For Pet Shops, contact the Commissioner of Department of Agriculture
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Louisiana has an exception for agricultural processing under its cruelty statutes, see LA R.S. § 14:102.1(C)(6). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Maine |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Maine has an exception for agricultural under its cruelty statutes, see 7 M.R.S.A. § 4011(2)(D), but note the cruel confinement of calves raised for veal and sows during gestation, see 7 MRSA § 4020. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Maryland |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Queen Anne’s County Animal Services Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Animal Control
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: In Baltimore County, see Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Animal Control Kennels and pet stores may be inspected by an authorized director of a humane society accompanied by a sheriff or deputy sheriff, see MD Code, Criminal Law, § 10-616. |
Maryland has an exception for customary and normal agricultural husbandry practices, see MD CRIM LAW § 10-603(1). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Massachusetts |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Statewide Hotline (Massachusetts SPCA): (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808 Animal Rescue League of Boston Worchester Animal Rescue League
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Pet Shop: See Massachusetts SPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston link in the Animal Cruelty column. See also Department of Food and Agriculture
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Massachusetts does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Michigan |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Michigan Humane Society (Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park) Humane Society of Huron Valley US Humane Society resources
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In 2009, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development suspended issuing certificates of health to pet stores when it suspended the pet shop program in general. Those wishing to file complaints against pet shops are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Additionally, since kennels in Michigan are regulated locally, those wishing to file complaints against them are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or their local animal control. Lastly, for complaints against animal shelters, please contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (scroll down to find the number)
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Michigan does not prohibit the lawful killing of livestock or a customary animal husbandry or farming practice involving livestock, see M.C.L.A. § 750.50b(8). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Minnesota |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Statewide Animal Cruelty Hotline: (763) 489-2236 Animal Folks Minnesota has a great resource for reporting cruelty as well
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Dealers, Commercial Breeders and Brokers for dogs and cats, report to the Department of Agriculture Kennels, report to Minnesota Board of Animal Health
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Minnesota does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Mississippi |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society of South Mississippi provides some contacts Mississippi Animal Rescue League
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Mississippi does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. However, Mississippi does have specific statutory provisions for livestock cruelty, see MS ST § 97-41-15. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Missouri |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society of Missouri, statewide hotline: (314) 647-4400 Resources provided by US Humane Society
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit (provides a number and online form to report cruelty of animal care facility) Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health
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Missouri exempts agricultural practices from its cruelty statutes, see V. A. M. S. § 578.007(8). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Montana |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Lewis and Clark Humane Society (Helena) US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Montana exempts commonly accepted agricultural and livestock practices from its cruelty statutes, see MCA § 45-8-211(4)(b). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Nebraska |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty:
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry (for dogs and cats only)
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Nebraska excludes livestock animals from the definition of animals in its cruelty statutes, see Neb. Rev. St. § 28-1008(2). However, Nebraska has specific provisions for livestock abuse under its Livestock Animal Welfare Act. Report to local law enforcement. |
| Nevada |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Advice from Las Vegas Valley Humane Society
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. Note: No SPCA is authorized to enforce laws relating to pet stores, kennels, and breeders: see NV ST § 574.350.
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Nevada has an exemption for animal husbandry in its cruelty statutes, see N. R. S. § 574.200(6). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| New Hampshire |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Advice from the New Hampshire Governor’s Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food New Hampshire Humane Society of Laconia Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire New Hampshire Police Departments US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: For Persons, firm, corporation or other entity shall engage in the business of transferring with or without a fee or donation required, to the public, live animals or birds customarily used as household pets (NH ST § 437:3): Department of Agriculture Markets, and Food
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New Hampshire does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. However, New Hampshire has a specific statutory provisions for horses, see NH ST § 435:12. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to: Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food
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| New Jersey |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: New Jersey SPCA Statewide Hotline and Online Reporting Form: 800-582-5979
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Health, Division of Animal Health (pet shops, kennels, pound, and shelters)
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New Jersey exempts livestock raised in accordance with standards in its cruelty statutes, see N. J. S. A. § 4:22-16(e). See the See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to: Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health
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| New Mexico |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Animal Protection of New Mexico, statewide hotline: 888-260-2178
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
New Mexico exempts treatment of livestock and other animals used on farms and ranches for production of food, fiber, etc. where the treatment is in accordance with accepted practices, see NM ST § 30-18-1(4)(J). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to:
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| New York |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: New York City (scroll down to find the number) US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets for pet dealers of dogs and cats
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New York does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| North Carolina |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Wake County SPCA provides the contacts of multiple counties US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (livestock dealers, livestock markets, pet shops, animal shelters, boarding kennels, and cat/dog dealers)
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| North Dakota |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society of the Black Hills
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
North Dakota exempts usual and customary practice in production agriculture in its cruelty statutes, see NDCC § 36-21.1-01(5)(b). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Ohio |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Ohio SPCA, statewide hotline: (740) 420-2984 Humane Society of Greater Akron
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to:
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Ohio does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to: Department of Agriculture, Livestock Care Standards Board
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| Oklahoma |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Advice from the city of Tulsa:
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to:
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Oklahoma does not have an exception for farm animals or livestock in its general cruelty statutes. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Oregon |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Advice from the Oregon Humane Society and more advice from the society.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon, Crimes Against Animals
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Oregon exempts animal husbandry practices in its cruelty statutes, see O. R. S. § 167.310(2). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| Pennsylvania |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Pennsylvania SPCA statewide hotline: 1-866-601-7722 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Humane Society Police Registry
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
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Pennsylvania exempts normal agricultural operations in its cruelty statutes, see 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5511(c)(3). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Rhode Island |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Department of Environmental Management
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Rhode Island exempts for licensed businesses killing animals for human consumption in its cruelty statutes, see RI ST § 4-1-5(b). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| South Carolina |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Speak For Animals provides a few county contact numbers Charleston Animal Society also provides a few contacts US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
South Carolina exempts animal husbandry its cruelty statutes, see Code 1976 § 47-1-40(c). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| South Dakota |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
South Dakota exempts animal husbandry its cruelty statutes, see S D C L § 40-1-2.4. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to: South Dakota Animal Industry Board
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| Tennessee |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Fayetteville/Lincoln County Animal Shelter
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Tennessee exempts customary agricultural practices its cruelty statutes, see T. C. A. § 39-14-202. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Texas |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society of Central Texas Dallas area
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, for animal shelters in counties with a population of over 75,000, you may want to contact the regional Zoonosis Control Group |
Texas exempts animal husbandry its cruelty statutes, see V. T. C. A., Penal Code § 42.09, which also provides specific provisions for livestock cruelty. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Utah |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Humane Society of Utah, statewide hotline: (801) 261-2919 extension 210
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Utah excludes livestock in normal animal husbandry practices from its definition of animal in its cruelty statutes, see U.C.A. 1953 § 76-9-301(1)(b)(ii)(C). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Vermont |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: All Counties in Vermont and an Online Form (Vermont Humane Federation) US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: Pet Merchants (see definition 7 VSA § 3906): Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets (involving livestock and poultry)
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Vermont exempts livestock and poultry husbandry practices, as defined by 13 VSA § 351(13), from its cruelty statutes, see 13 VSA § 351. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to:
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| Virginia |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. However, violations may also be reported to: For Commercial Dog Breeders: Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services For Animal Shelters, Pounds, and Pet Stores:
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Virgina's cruelty statute provides exceptions in dealing with companion animals and also provides exceptions in the agricultural animals provision, see VA ST § 3.2-6503.1(B). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Washington |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Seattle Humane Society (with other contact numbers) Humane Society of Skagit Valley Humane Societies of Washington
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Washington exempts accepted husbandry practices in its cruelty statutes, see WA ST §16.52.185. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. |
| West Virginia | The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. | Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
West Virgina exempts lawful acts of farm animals in its cruelty statutes, see WV ST § 61-8-19(f). See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to: Livestock Care Standards Board, see WV ST §§ 19-1C-1 to 19-1C-6:
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| Wisconsin |
The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911.However, here are some, but not all, resources, that you can use to report animal cruelty: Wisconsin Humane Society provides information on where to report animal cruelty The Wisconsin Humane Society also has an anti-cruelty information line that may help you Waukesha County Animal Shelter also provides some information US Humane Society resources
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Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Wisconsin provides a specific exemption to farm animals in its cruelty statutes, see WI ST 951.14. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links.
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| Wyoming | The best place to report animal cruelty is the police department that covers your local city, town or county. Please use your favorite search engine to find this contact information. For emergencies, like a complaint about a dog fight in progress, you may want to call 911. | Cruelty in pet shops and breeding facilities can be reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, SPCA/humane societies like general cruelty in the previous column. |
Wyoming exempts industry accepted agricultural and livestock practices from its cruelty statutes (see WY ST § 6-3-203(m)(ii)), but Wyoming provides specific provisions for cruelty to livestock, see WY ST §§ 11-29-101 to 115. See the "Where to Report Animal Cruelty" column for reporting links. Additionally, you can also report livestock cruelty to:
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