cruelty dog on leash

Meredith Lee / Humane World for Animals

How to report suspected animal abuse and cruelty

If you suspect animal cruelty, don’t wait—learn the signs and how to report abuse to protect animals from harm

Report Suspected Animal Cruelty Now

What is considered animal cruelty?

Most reports of animal cruelty involve neglect, though direct abuse and organized cruelty like animal fighting occur too. If you suspect animal abuse, understanding the signs is the first step toward taking action.

Common types of animal cruelty

Examples of the types of animal cruelty that you should report

Cat with infected eyes in a filthy cage, found at a TX home

Meredith Lee/T

Neglect

Failing to provide an animal’s basic needs—food, water, shelter and veterinary care—is cruelty. This includes hoarding, abandonment, chronic tethering and untreated illnesses.

Neglected horse before being rescued - report animal abuse and animal cruelty

Kathy Milani/The HSUS

Lack of veterinary care

Untreated wounds, hair loss, emaciation or visible signs of illness are indicators of neglect. Report these cases promptly to protect the animal’s health.

White pit bull chained to a metal pole outside in the snow

Kendra Stanley-Mills/AP Images for the HSUS

Inadequate shelter

In extreme heat or cold, animals without proper shelter face life-threatening conditions. Don’t hesitate to report neglect if an animal is left outside in dangerous weather.

Neglected dog before being rescued from Mississippi hoarding situation

Kathy Milani/The HSUS

Abandonment

Abandoned pets in homes, apartments or cages often go unnoticed. Report any abandoned animals you discover to animal control right away.

Dog left in a hot car

Stephan Stockinger/iStock.com

Animals left in hot or cold cars

Even on mild days, car temperatures can quickly become deadly for pets. If you see an animal left in a parked car, report it immediately and provide details like the location, car make, model and license plate.

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Rescued from dogfighting in Italy

Chiara Muzzini/Fondazione Cave Canem

Rescued from dogfighting.

Direct physical abuse

Physical violence against animals, including hitting, kicking or otherwise harming an animal, should always be reported immediately to local authorities or animal control.

Rescued from dogfighting

Jay Kim

Rescued from dogfighting.

Animal fighting and organized cruelty

Dogfighting, cockfighting and other organized animal cruelty cases are felony offenses. If you witness or hear about these activities, contact law enforcement immediately.

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Injured cat in a dirty cage found at a TX home

Rescue, June 2019. Meredith Lee/The HSUS

Animal hoarding

Hoarding results in extreme neglect as animals are kept in overcrowded, unsanitary and dangerous conditions. If you suspect hoarding, contact your local animal control agency.

How to report suspected animal cruelty

If you witness or suspect animal cruelty:

  • Call your local animal control agency or dial 9-1-1 if you’re unsure who to contact.
  • Document evidence — note dates, times, locations, descriptions, and, if safe, take photos or video.
  • Follow up if you don’t see a response within a reasonable time.
  • If no local agency is available, [contact us directly] for assistance.

Why reporting animal abuse matters

Animal cruelty isn’t just a danger to animals—it’s often a red flag for broader community violence. Reporting animal cruelty not only saves animals’ lives but can also protect people.

How Humane World for Animals helps stop animal abuse

We’re fighting to:

  • Provide public education on reporting animal cruelty.
  • Assist in large-scale animal cruelty rescues.
  • Train law enforcement and animal welfare agencies.
  • Support local investigations with grants and resources.
  • Advocate for stronger animal protection laws.
  • Offer rewards for information leading to convictions in animal cruelty or fighting cases.

Frequently asked questions

Call your local animal control agency, or 9-1-1 if you’re unsure. Document what you see and provide as much detail as possible.

Yes. Every U.S. state has laws against animal cruelty, and most classify severe cases as felonies.

Yes, most animal control agencies allow anonymous reporting to protect the caller’s identity.

Your gift can do so much for animals in need

We never know where disasters will strike or when animals may be in need of rescue, but we know we must be ready. Donate today to support all our lifesaving work. 

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals