Dog Fancy April Dog Column

How to Report Animal Abuse

12/15/03

By Kyra Kirkwood

You're taking an evening stroll down the street when you witness a man repeatedly kick his dog, who cowers in fear. Or your neighbor leaves his puppy chained outside for days, not giving him food or attention. What do you do?

According to the ASPCA's Supervisory Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement, Annemarie Lucas, being a good eyewitness and knowing who to report the incident to are vital.

"Sometimes, eyes and ears are better than anything," she says.

First, know what constitutes animal cruelty. According to the ASPCA, this is any act of violence or neglect, such as overt abuse, beating, dog fighting or being denied basic necessities (food, water or shelter). Trust your gut, says Lucas, who stars in the hit Animal Planet reality show "Animal Precinct."

If you see such an incident, gather as much information as possible: descriptions, locations, times, license-plate numbers, car models. If you can safely see where this person lives, write down the address, says Lucas. Take pictures or video, especially if it's an ongoing incident. Don't spare details.

"Watch, listen and write it downäWe want to know as much information as we can before we get there," she says. "It's not enough to just call and say a dog is injured."

Keep your emotions in check and relay the facts in a calm, controlled, non-hysterical manner, says Lucas. Know beforehand who to call, and keep that number handy. It should be on an emergency list posted near your phone and in your wallet, says Lucas. In the New York City area, people can call the elite team of Humane Law Enforcement officersãa group solely devoted to investigating crimes against animals in that vicinity.

"We're like a mini police force," Lucas says, noting that the officers have the ability to issue arrests. "Animals have rights, and that's what we're here for."

Not all cities have such a group earmarked for animal-cruelty investigations. But that doesn't mean there's no one to call. People should contact their local humane societies or police departments to locate the person in charge. On the ASPCA's website, you can search for agencies in your area: http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=Animal.

But what if you call the "correct" department, and you get the brush off? Ask to speak with a supervisor or manager, suggests Lucas.

"You don't have to take the word of the first person assisting you," she says. "It's just being persistent."

Call or visit your city council members if the police department or other city agency isn't helping you, Lucas advises. Get the mayor involved.

Since there is a link between animal abuse and other forms of violence, Lucas suggests contacting the domestic-violence officer in your area to ask for advice.

Don't approach an animal abuser in progress. Lucas advises standing back, writing down as much information as you can and passing it on to authorities. If you must confront an abuser, do it in a non-threatening manner and don't do it alone. You might try saying, "Is there anything I can do to help you," suggests Lucas. But above all, be cautious.

If and only if you see an overtly heinous incident of abuse in progress, such as dog-fighting rings or acts of torture that could end the dog's life, call 911, said Lucas.

"You don't want everyone calling 911 [when they see a dog walker] tugging on the leash," she advises, noting again the importance of observing the entire scene first.

Although it is heartwrenching to witness any animal being purposefully hurt or neglected, it's up to us, the eyewitnesses, to gather information and relay it to the correct agency. Working with HLE, Lucas has seen devastating cases turn out wonderfully when the dog gets rescued, loved and adopted by a caring family through the ASPCA.

"That's the best part," she says. "It's closure for us. It gives us the power and will to go on."

FACTOID

In 38 states and the District of Columbia, it's a felony to abuse animals, while 12 other states view it as a misdemeanor.