How to Recognize and Report Animal Cruelty
For people that love and live for pets, it is devastating to witness abuse or observe behaviors in pets that were previously victims of cruelty. Perpetrators of crimes against animals are held accountable by the law, but not every case of animal cruelty is reported. Concerned citizens can play an important role in detecting animal cruelty, and safely reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate law enforcement unit.
Terrible Offenses
Animal cruelty describes any act that inflicts harm to an animal. Acts of cruelty can be either intentional (physically striking, kicking, or otherwise harming, injuring, or beating), or may involve neglect (withholding or not providing for the needs of basic survival, including food, water, shelter, or veterinary care). Facilitating fierce confrontations or territorial fighting between animals is another form of cruelty that is punishable by law.
Abandonment of an animal or hoarding groups of animals are also forms of animal cruelty that, sadly, occur with some regularity across the country.
In Plain Sight
Innocent bystanders can report animal cruelty to local police or sherriff’s offices, and can remain anonymous. If an act is occurring in the present moment, you can request emergency dispatch. If an act previously occurred, or is even just suspected, concerned citizens can report it to the police. People can also place calls directly to the humane society or other animal services entity.
Required information may include the location of incident, the time/date, and the number and types of animals involved. Because of the potential risk to personal safety, it is always best to involve law enforcement before handling complaints personally. You can help out by taking pictures or videos, but only do so if you can do it safely.
Documented Signs of Abuse
Animal cruelty is against the law, but the extent may not always happen out in the open. The following signs may indicate that abuse is happening behind closed doors, and suggest that reporting is crucial:
- Signs of injury
- Skinny appearance or presence of external parasites
- Lack of food, water, or shelter in outdoor areas
- Little-to-no sanitation
- No supervision
- Being chained or tied up
- Aggressive behavior or skittish to friendly interaction
Document your observations as much as possible. Please report your findings to local police.
Effects of Animal Cruelty
There are many possible ways animal cruelty manifests in future behavior, including:
- Constant fear of strangers, or certain types of people.
- Fear of other dogs or animals (these could have been present at the time of abuse)
- Aggression toward strangers or other dogs
- Excessive requests for attention, clinginess, or nervousness when forced to stay home alone (separation anxiety)
- Hyperactivity or over-excitement (barking, inappropriate urination, general insecurity)
- Compulsive behaviors, such as hoarding, sucking on clothing or upholstery, or spinning in circles
Many of the above result in relinquishment or surrendering an adopted pet to a shelter, but the animal does not instantly forget their experiences when placed in a new location. Many behavioral problems that stem from abuse or animal cruelty can be addressed with patience, compassion, and time.
A Brighter Future
Animal cruelty is an illegal act that affects everyone. If you have questions or concerns about suspected or known abuse, please reach out to our team at (732) 531-1212. We will try to advise you to the best of our ability, or connect you with the proper organization. Together, we can stand up for the animals we love and care for, and work to end animal cruelty.