We investigate welfare concerns for all species of animals residing within the jurisdictions we contract to serve
Protecting Animals. Serving Our Communities.
Companion Animal Care & Control investigates reports of suspected animal cruelty, neglect, and welfare concerns involving all species of animals within the municipalities and counties we serve.
Our Animal Control Officers work in partnership with local law enforcement to enforce applicable state statutes and local ordinances while also educating owners whenever appropriate to improve animal welfare. Many investigations are resolved through education and voluntary compliance, while more serious cases may require formal enforcement, seizure of animals, and criminal prosecution.
If you believe an animal is being abused or neglected, we encourage you to report your concerns.
Signs of Animal Neglect or Cruelty
Examples of conditions that may indicate an animal is suffering include:
Lack of adequate food, clean water, shelter, or veterinary care.
Animals that appear severely underweight, dehydrated, weak, or in poor body condition.
Overgrown nails, severely matted fur, or obvious lack of grooming.
Visible wounds, bruising, untreated injuries, or signs of illness.
Animals living in unsanitary conditions or exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Animals continuously restrained by tangled, excessively short, heavy, or unsafe chains, ropes, or tie-outs that may cause injury.
Sick or injured animals being denied necessary medical treatment.
Animals abandoned or intentionally left without care.
Animals left unattended inside vehicles where conditions could threaten their health or safety.
Large numbers of animals living in conditions consistent with animal hoarding.
Suspected animal fighting, including dog fighting or cockfighting.
Physical abuse, torture, poisoning, or other intentional acts of cruelty.
Commercial facilities, boarding kennels, breeding operations, pet stores, or other animal businesses that fail to provide the minimum standards of care required by law.
Types of Cases We Investigate
Our officers investigate allegations involving:
Animal neglect and cruelty
Abandonment
Animal hoarding
Animal fighting
Lack of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care
Injured or sick animals denied treatment
Dangerous tethering or confinement conditions
Animals left in unsafe vehicles
Welfare concerns involving domestic animals, livestock, and other species
Violations of state animal welfare laws and local animal ordinances
How to Report Animal Cruelty or Neglect
Successful investigations depend on accurate information and, whenever possible, supporting evidence.
When submitting a report, please include:
The exact location where the animal is kept.
The owner's name, address, and contact information, if known.
A detailed description of what you observed, including dates and times whenever possible.
Photographs or videos, if they can be safely obtained.
The species, breed, color, approximate age, and number of animals involved.
Names and contact information for any additional witnesses.
Your name and daytime phone number in case an investigator needs additional information.
Reports may be submitted anonymously; however, providing your contact information often allows investigators to gather additional details that can strengthen a case. Information provided by reporting parties is kept confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Before You Submit a Report
Not every thin animal, barking dog, or outdoor pet is being neglected. Some medical conditions, advanced age, breed characteristics, or temporary circumstances can resemble neglect. If you are unsure whether a situation constitutes animal cruelty, we encourage you to submit the concern. Our officers will evaluate the information and determine the appropriate response.
If an animal is in immediate danger or a crime is actively occurring, call 911 immediately.