Leaving a dog outside on a hot day without water is a form of animal neglect.
You can file a complaint about someone you know is intentionally harming or neglecting an animal, such as not giving it food, water or medicine. Some signs of animal neglect can include an animal with patches of hair missing, who is overly thin or covered with wounds, limping or suffering from a flea and tick infestation. You can also file a report for abuse if you see someone strike an animal or who leaves his pet outside in the heat without shelter, food and water. It is important to report animal abuse and neglect because local agencies may not otherwise know it is happening.
Instructions
1. Gather evidence. If possible collect as much evidence of animal neglect as possible, including the name of the owner, dates of incidents and photographs. Try to identify the type of animal and breed that is being neglected. Keep a list of all incidents, document demeanor of the animal and if there are any other witnesses, for future reference.
2. Call local authorities. Animal abuse and neglect cases are dealt with on a state and local government level. Contact your local police department or sheriff's office to file a complaint. Local animal control units may be able to help with filing a complaint about animal neglect. You may also want to try to contact a local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or the Humane Society of the United States.
3. Give details of neglect. Specify the evidence you have gathered when making your report of animal neglect. Do not forget to give the animal owner's name and address so the agency can investigate your claim.
4. Get names. The agency handling your abuse and neglect claim will not be able to give you details of the investigation, however, you may be able to find out if it has been closed. Get the names of everyone you speak to so you can speak to them again when you have questions or more information.
5. Offer help. Let the agency handling the claim know you are willing to help if needed. You can offer to keep the agency updated of any new developments regarding the neglect or testify about the incident in the future, if necessary.
Tags: animal neglect, abuse neglect, agency handling, complaint about, file complaint