How to Help a Neighbor’s Neglected Animal

It is heartbreaking to witness an animal suffering from neglect. Animals require proper nutrition, potable water, shelter that protects them from extreme temperatures, and veterinary care if they are sick or injured. If you are concerned that an animal in your neighborhood is suffering, there are ways you can help. In emergency situations where an animal’s life is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or dial 911.

Animal cruelty laws in each state set the standards for care of different species of animals. In some areas, municipal or county codes and ordinances may also outline a person’s duties with respect to caring for their animals. To obtain local ordinances, contact your city council, local humane organization, visit your local library or check online at www.municode.com.

For situations in which your state’s anti-cruelty statutes may have been violated, see the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s information about criminal anti-cruelty cases.

If your state anti-cruelty statutes are weak, you can help to strengthen them with the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s model law information.

Law enforcement officers, animal control agencies and, in some areas, humane law enforcement investigators are responsible for responding to reports of suspected cruelty to animals and enforcing the laws and ordinances that apply. Filing a report with these agencies alerts them to your concern and allows them to initiate an investigation.

It will be helpful to document what you have witnessed, including noting dates, locations and specific incidents and problems in a detailed journal. Photographs, video, and other evidence of the abusive conditions are helpful and persuasive. The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program offers direct assistance to enforcement agencies in the investigation of animal cruelty.

Much of the work done by investigators involves educating animal guardians in proper care and husbandry, connecting people with resources to help, and monitoring cases to check for improvements and consistent care. Most investigations don’t end with a criminal citation but should result in improved conditions for the animals in question.

There are a multitude of reasons an animal may suffer neglect, and many stem from a lack of education or resources, or a caretaker’s inability to provide for their animals due to poverty, disability, or mental illness. There are times when the caretaker is blind to their inability to offer the appropriate care for the animal or animals under their guardianship. When more animals are taken in than the caretaker is able to provide for, conditions may deteriorate into what is referred to as “animal hoarding.” Learn more about the issue of animal hoarding.

If the animal is not in immediate danger but you suspect neglect, it may be productive to approach the guardian and offer assistance such as walking a dog or even helping to place the animal in a more appropriate home. It is a sad fact that at times people get animals without thinking about the long-term commitment they are taking on; when the reality of the situation becomes apparent, they may be relieved to have someone offer their assistance.