When to report animal cruelty to the police?
If you are a community cat caregiver, see our information on what to do if a cat you care for has been intentionally injured or killed. Neglect is also a kind of animal cruelty that can be reported to police. Neglect includes failure to provide food, water, shelter or veterinary care, as well as hoarding and abandonment of animals.
Can a law enforcement officer Search my Cat?
If you find yourself in conflict because you care for cats who live outdoors, it’s important that you understand your rights under the law, and to remember that the officials, including law enforcement officers, are not allowed to violate those rights. They can’t search your property, stop and question you, or cite you without a reason.
Do you have to tell animal control when you feed cats?
You aren’t required to tell an animal control officer when and where you feed cats. You may exercise your right to remain silent like in the examples above. If you feed the cats on your own private property, you do not have to allow animal control onto the property without a warrant. (See “If the officer asks to search your property…”
What to do if animal control wants to search your house?
Politely tell the officer that you do not consent to a search. Step outside of the house and be sure to shut the door behind you! This is important because anything animal control can see may be used as cause to search or obtain a warrant. Animal Control: “We received a complaint about cats in the neighborhood. I’d like to look around.”
If you are a community cat caregiver, see our information on what to do if a cat you care for has been intentionally injured or killed. Neglect is also a kind of animal cruelty that can be reported to police. Neglect includes failure to provide food, water, shelter or veterinary care, as well as hoarding and abandonment of animals.
Where can I fax a missing pet poster?
We also fax a custom designed missing pet poster to your local Veterinarian, Animal Shelters, Animal Control, Police Stations, Media Outlets and Pet Stores in the area where your pet was last seen.
What do you need to know about Alley Cat Allies?
Alley Cat Allies stands against all acts of cruelty to all cats. We believe that every animal—owned or unowned—deserves to be protected and safe from human cruelty. Learn more about Anti-Cruelty. All acts of animal cruelty should be reported and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Can a local animal control officer neuter a cat?
Any one of these officials might at some point take an interest in outdoor cats. Some animal control departments and other local authorities are wholeheartedly supportive of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and can be excellent allies in your TNR work.