What to do, if you recognise abuse of animals?
FOUR PAWS gives answers
When people witness cruelty to animals, they are sometimes reluctant or afraid to confront the abuser on the spot. In some situations, it may be wise to step back and inform the authorities rather than directly tackle the issue yourself.
The following Q&As will guide you through reporting animal cruelty, giving you a clear picture of what cruelty to animals is and what options you have if you witness it.
What is cruelty to animals?
It includes:
- Intentional acts of violence against an animal, such as kicking, beating or torturing
- Any psychological violence, causing fear or distress
- Any neglect of the basic needs of the animal: Lack of food and water, inadequate shelter, lack of veterinary care, no freedom to socialise or live out species-appropriate behaviour
What are the signs of cruelty to animals?
For more information, see “How to identify cruelty to animals”
To whom should I report it?
Where and how you report your suspicions of cruelty will vary from state to state. You can report incidents to the police through your local police's non- emergency number. You can find non- emergency numbers local to you on a general Google search; make sure you enter in your state and town. You can also report instances of abuse to your local animal shelter or rescue league. Some shelters have their own investigations unit and may keep track of the number of reports that come into them. Abuse can also be reported to your veterinarian at a veterinary office.
What information do I need to gather?
- Date and time (when it happened)
- Place (where it happened)
- Type of offence (e.g. neglect, violent attack, pet in an overheated car)
- Number of abusers (in the case of a violent attack)
- Description of abuser (e.g. man/woman, child/adult, clothes, striking features)
- Species of the affected animal
- Number of affected animals
- Other witness contact detail
If you can, take photos or videos – but never put yourself in danger!
Can I report suspected animal cruelty without proof?
What should I do if I see cruelty to animals on the Internet?
First, save the evidence. Take screenshots and save the website address. In addition, collect all the information you can about the account. This includes:
- Profile information
- Date of the post
- Any text and comments relating to the abusive material
Then report any violations to the relevant authorities and offer them all the evidence you have collected. They can advise you on what steps should be taken next.