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What to Do if You Suspect an Animal is Abused or Neglected

We count on our residents to be an extra set of eyes and ears in our community to look after those who cannot speak for themselves. We appreciate information that is given to us to help protect the welfare and safety of pets and people in our community.

Please get as much information as possible. Try to find out the condition of the animal, their living conditions and the address where the animal is kept. Call Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 831-454-7200. You can remain confidential, but it is important to leave your name and number in case the officer has trouble locating the animal or for follow-ups in the future.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter enforces California Penal Code 597 which makes it illegal to abuse or neglect an animal. If you feel that an animal is being neglected or abused, please contact the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 831-454-7200.

Once a complaint has been lodged, an officer will investigate. If animal cruelty charges are filed, fines and/or jail time could be assigned, and the animal may be able to be re-homed into a loving family.

What is animal abuse?

Sometimes abuse of an animal is obvious, but often it is the less obvious neglect cases that are seen in our own neighborhoods. For instance, a dog left in the backyard with no shelter or a cat living in an unsanitary environment. It is these cases of neglect where we rely on you to step forward and report these crimes.

Abuse violations – torture, torment, mutilation, cruel beating and cruel killing – take many forms. Torment need not be physical in nature; an animal can be tormented by baiting or teasing, or a pattern of intimidation by yelling or threatening physical harm.

Serious physical abuse, if not witnessed, may be hard to detect because the physical evidence, such as bruising and abrasions, may be hidden by hair. Visible evidence of physical abuse includes limping, swelling, bloody urine and broken teeth. Hand shyness, timidity, cowering and fear biting are behaviors symptomatic of abuse, particularly if the animal exhibits these behaviors in the presence of the abuser.

What basics must all pet owners provide?

The ideal shelter is always the shelter provided by a house or building. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter does not recommend housing an animal outside. If an animal is outside, the animal should have a weatherproof shelter that is small enough such that the animal can warm it with his body heat. During the winter months, an entry flap will also keep out the cold air and wind. Bedding materials such as hay, straw or wood shavings are recommended as they stay warm and dry whereas blankets often get wet.

If you know of a dog that needs shelter, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter often has dog houses available for pickup. The shelter also accepts donated dog houses and will distribute them to those dogs in need.

Animals must be provided with nutritious food in sufficient quantity every day. An animal’s physical condition is the best indicator of proper diet. If an animal appears underweight, it is probably not receiving enough food. A long or ungroomed coat may hide a severely malnourished condition.

Animals must have access to clean water at all times.

Veterinary care must be provided for animals showing symptoms of disease or illness. An animal that has been injured or appears to be in pain must be provided with immediate veterinary care.

Exercise space that is of sufficient size and kept in a clean, healthful manner must be provided. Continual confinement in areas that are small or dark, filthy with trash and fecal accumulation, or have a strong odor is unacceptable.

Chaining is an illegal form of confinement in California. It often causes health and behavior problems. Recommended confinement includes confinement in a securely fenced yard or pen of adequate size, or house confinement with outdoor exercise.

Collars should be loose enough to allow at least two fingers to slide easily between the collar and neck. A collar that is too tight can cause severe injury and pain.

Animals with coats requiring grooming must be groomed as needed to avoid matting and skin problems. A matted, filthy hair coat indicates an animal is not receiving proper daily care.