Report Animal Cruelty or Neglect in Pennsylvania

Animal cruelty is a serious crime in Pennsylvania, with penalties ranging from summary offenses to felonies. It’s important that all animals receive proper care, and you can play a key role in helping to stop cruelty and neglect.

Pet Owners Are Legally Required To:

• Provide enough food and clean water to maintain the animal’s body weight.
• Ensure access to clean and sanitary shelter that protects the animal from extreme weather, keeps them dry, and maintains their body heat.
• Seek necessary veterinary care when an animal is sick or injured.

Contact Information for Animal Control

If your report involves licensing, rabies vaccinations, dangerous dogs, dog bites, barking complaints, or animals running at large, please contact your local Animal Control or police department.

If the situation is urgent or life-threatening, call 911 or your local police immediately.

What Our Humane Society Police Officers (HSPOs) Do:

Our Humane Society Police Officers (HSPOs) are sworn to uphold Pennsylvania’s cruelty laws, empowered with the authority to:

• Investigate claims of cruelty, neglect, and animal fighting as defined under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18, Chapter 55, Subchapter B).
• Rescue animals that have been mistreated or abandoned.
• Arrest offenders and prosecute them in court.
• Work to ensure the safety of animals and the community at large.
• Educate pet owners on the proper care of their animals and provide resources to help keep pets in their homes.

What Our Humane Society Police Officers Cannot Do:

While our officers work tirelessly to enforce animal cruelty laws, there are certain legal limitations. They are not permitted to:

• Enforce dog laws related to licensing, rabies vaccinations, or dangerous dogs—these fall under the jurisdiction of Animal Control or the Pennsylvania State Dog Warden.
• Enter private residences without consent or a search warrant, nor can they seize animals without just cause.
• Handle issues involving the theft of animals or custody disputes, as these are civil matters best addressed by a legal representative.
• Provide legal advice or enforce local ordinances regarding animals.

Contact Our Humane Investigations Team

We can only investigate reports from individuals with direct, firsthand knowledge. Unfortunately, secondhand or hearsay information cannot be acted upon. Additionally, anonymous reports cannot be investigated, so please ensure that you provide your contact information.

To help us effectively address your concern, please follow these guidelines: