Whether it be an acute act of violence or chronic neglect, find out what you can do when you witness animal cruelty.
It can be disturbing-and heartbreaking-to witness an act of animal
cruelty. Whether it be an acute act of violence or chronic neglect, find out
what you can do when you witness animal cruelty.
How Do I Report Suspected Abuse?
For detailed information and to find resources in your state, visit NATIONAL LINK COALITION.
Reporting suspected family violence can be either a relatively simple or
fairly confusing process. In cases of suspected child abuse and neglect,
elder abuse, or domestic violence and sexual assault the procedures are
fairly straightforward: any municipal, county or state law enforcement
agency is authorized to receive reports and initiate an investigation. In
addition, every state has either a statewide crisis line, or a directory of
county agencies, where reports may be made. (For elder abuse, many states
have two hotlines: one for elder abuse in the home, and an ombudsman for
elder abuse in long-term care facilities.)
Furthermore, there are statewide associations, such as coalitions for the
prevention of child abuse or elder abuse or coalitions against domestic
violence, that can offer assistance.
Reporting animal cruelty, abuse and neglect is far more complicated. There
are no national or statewide systems: contrary to popular opinion, local
humane societies or SPCAs (societies for the prevention of cruelty to
animals) are not branches or affiliates of national organizations. Each
local animal welfare organization is independent with its own board of
directors and anti-cruelty law enforcement powers which range from full to
none. Many city or county animal control or animal services officers are
empowered to enforce cruelty laws, but many are not – and many are limited
in the scope of which laws or species they are allowed to assist.
For more detailed information and to find resources in your state, visit NATIONAL LINK COALITION.
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