By Patricia Collier, Owner, FloridaPets.net
Where to start
You’ve seen something that’s bothered you, or something you know is downright cruel. What can you do to help an animal in need?
First, check the animal cruelty laws in your state by heading over to the Web site of the Animal Protection Institute.
Print out a couple of copies of the ones that pertain to your state. Then head to your local library and ask for assistance in finding laws pertaining to animals in your particular county or city. Make some copies of those as well.
Once armed with documentation that what you’ve seen is not only cruel, but against the law, find out who in your town, county or state investigates and enforces the anti-cruelty laws. Many times, these people work for local humane societies or tax-supported animal shelters.
If you cannot locate the proper person, call or visit your local sheriff’s office or police department to ask for help in enforcing the law. Be sure to take along plenty of proof of what you’ve seen. In other words, gather the evidence.
Gathering evidence
Once you have located the proper law enforcement officer, provide them with a concise, written, factual statement of what you have observed, giving dates and approximate times. If you can, photograph the situation and date your photographs. You should also try to get short, factual, written statements from other witnesses.
Always keep a record of who you contact, the date of the contact(s), and the content and outcome of your discussions with each person you contact. Never pass on a letter or document without first making a copy for your records. Make it very clear to the enforcement officer or agency that you wish to pursue the case and are willing to lend your assistance as required.
Pursuing the case
If the enforcement officers handle your concerns with less than appropriate enthusiasm and speed, present your documented case to their supervisors, and, if necessary, to your local government officials, such as the county commissioners or state attorney, and politely demand action. In many jurisdictions, if you have witnessed a cruel act yourself, you can go to your local law enforcement agencies and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. Check with the procedures in your area.
Sometimes, expert witnesses may be required. A veterinarian, for example, can sign a statement that it is his/her “expert opinion” that a dog suffers if beaten on the head, deprived of food, etc. Expert opinions often make or break a case, so if you know a sympathetic vet, you may wish to seek his/her assistance and tell the officer you have an expert to support your concerns.
By keeping a factual, well-documented, step-by-step record of the case, you can, if all else fails, visit or call your local newspapers or television stations and try to interest reporters in the story. A news story does wonders in forcing officials to act and many times, other people who have seen similar acts may step forward to bolster the cruelty charge you have initiated.
Ask for help if needed
While reporting abuse, neglect or abandonment does require some extra time and effort on your part, it can save the life of an innocent animal. Remember: “Take sides. Neutrality Helps the Oppressor, Never the Victim.”
There are several regional and/or national organizations that stand ready to help you help the animals. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Kelly Jo Ernst
Domestic Animal Issues and Abuse Department
(757) 622-7382 ext.1346
Fax: (757)628-0796
Helping Animals.
Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF)
Animal Cruelty Actionline
1-800-555-6517
