![dog](/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/injureddog-16x9-320x180.jpg)
When Criminal Charges Have Not Yet Been Filed
Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states. The Animal Legal Defense Fund does not have law enforcement capacity, and it is imperative that local law enforcement authorities fully investigate allegations of animal abuse or neglect.
If you witness the abuse or neglect of an animal, please immediately file a formal written complaint with the local law enforcement agency – that would be the police and/or sheriff, as well as animal control/SPCA where available. Provide law enforcement authorities with as much detail as is known to you – including contact information and property addresses. Let them know if you are willing to testify in court as needed, including at trial – it is a great help to a case when investigators know they have a credible and cooperative witness. While not ideal, reporting anonymously is better than not reporting at all, and each agency will have a protocol for accepting anonymous reports.
If you have information about animal cruelty that you have not personally observed, but you do not believe charges have been filed – there again, please contact law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the alleged abuse took place. Be sure to clearly state the source of your information, and that you are not an eyewitness.
When Criminal Charges Have Been Filed
If you have information about an animal abuse or neglect case and criminal charges have already been filed, please send an email to the Animal Legal Defense Fund via action1@aldf.org, providing as much of the following information as possible:
- the defendant’s name
- a brief description of the crime
- date of incident and/or arrest
- city and county of jurisdiction
- the name and phone number of the prosecutor assigned to the case
Our Criminal Justice Program attorneys work directly with investigators and prosecutors handling animal cruelty cases nationwide, providing them with free legal assistance toward thorough investigations and meaningful prosecutions.
Stop Animal Cruelty
Every day, animals are abused and killed. Their abusers frequently do not face any consequences – it’s still extremely common for animal cruelty to go unpunished. Without you, animals have no voice. Sign the petition.
Related
-
Opposing the Cultivation and Trade of Octopus Produced through Unethical Strategies Act Introduced in the U.S. Senate
The federal bill would prevent the industry from gaining traction by banning commercial octopus farming in the U.S.July 25, 2024 News -
Complaint Demands Endangered Species Act be Enforced Against Washington Sham Animal Sanctuary to Protect Animals
Predators of the Heart, sometimes also known as Because We Matter Exotic Animal Rescue, has threatened to kill endangered wolves if it is not allowed to reopen.July 16, 2024 Press Release -
Lawsuit Filed Against USDA for Issuing Animal Welfare Act License to Serial Violator Yellowstone Bear World
The complaint argues the wildlife park causes undue stress to bear cubs by offering bottle-feeding and photo opportunities to the public as well as separating them from their mothers.July 16, 2024 Press Release