Report Animal Abuse or Neglect

Don't Be Silent When Others Are Violent

Please choose to help pets in need... they have no voice! Don't look the other way... they need you!

 

What Is Animal Cruelty and Why is it a Concern? Report Abuse/Neglect/Cruelty Cases Animal Cruelty fact sheet The Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act Links of Interest Quotes

Don't be silent when others are violent! Report animal abuse and neglect!

ARF's thoughts and prayers and a special plea of mercy go out to the suffering and sick homeless and helpless pets.

NOTE: The appalling photographs on this page were taken by ARF's Humane Investigator for Wayne County. The suffering cat had to be humanely euthanized. The puppy was already dead at the end of its chain (allegedly this place has been reported numerous times however a former (NOT SO HUMANE) investigator for another organization chose to look the other way) that is when ARF's HUMANE Investigator stepped in. The other sad dogs were removed and/or sold by the "Owner" before the investigator received authority to save their lives.

What is animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

Why is it a concern?

All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature. Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.  There should be no choice NOT to report animal cruelty - neglect and abuse! People who witness these crimes and opt not to interfere become passive participants. There is a direct correlation between animal abuse and human criminality. Visit the HSUS's First Strike Campaign - the connection between animal cruelty and human violence for more information!

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Report Abuse/Neglect/Cruelty Cases

Report Locally (most animal organizations have humane investigators on staff) then call the Illinois Department of Agriculture ANIMAL WELFARE

1-800-273-4763 (callers name will be kept confidentially)

• Fairfield City Police Department: 618-842-2151
• Wayne County Sheriff Department: 618-842-6631

Both the Police and the Sheriff's Department can act on behalf of animals as they can enforce the Animal Welfare Laws. Some police departments are unaware of the new, stronger animal welfare laws in Illinois. You could provide them with this PRINTABLE LIST  of the eight new animal welfare laws passed in Illinois during the 92nd General Assembly.

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Animal Cruelty Fact Sheet Provided by the ASPCA

REMEMBER, acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty. Examples include overt abuse, dog fighting and cock fighting, and companion animals being neglected or denied basic necessities of care, such as food, water or shelter. Someone will listen, someone will help! BE PERSISTENT! Don't forget you can use the resources of newspapers, radio and television stations.

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The Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act (510ILCS70/) is the statute that pertains to the humane treatment of animals. This act is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture

1-800-273-4763 .

There are many parts to this act, but here is a quick overview:

1)         (510ILCS70/3) OWNERS' DUTIES 
           Each owner shall provide for each of his animals:
a)        sufficient quantity of good quality wholesome food
           and water
b)        adequate shelter and protection from the weather
c)         veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering; and
d)        humane care and treatment

2) (510ILCS 70/3.01) CRUEL TREATMENT

No person may beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal. No owner may abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger, or exposure.

3) (510ILCS 70/3.02) AGGRAVATED CRUELTY

No person may intentionally commit an act that causes a companion animal to suffer serious injury or death.

ILLINOIS APPROVED HUMANE INVESTIGATORS

Under this act individuals may take a state test and become qualified to investigate animal abuse as long as they are sponsored by a humane society. ARF currently has an investigator volunteering for them, so if you see animal cruelty you may contact them for help.

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Links of Interest

Gracies Safe Harbor - EXCELLENT WEBSITE

The Animal Legal Defense Fund missions is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system

Illinois Animal Statutes

The Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Health & Welfare also investigates reports of dog-fighting and unethical behavior of Class A and B licensees, which include shelters, rescues, breeding facilities and pet stores.

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"He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals"

~ Immanuel Kant

"I am sometimes asked "Why do you spent so much of your time and money talking about kindness to animals when there is so much cruelty to men?" I answer: "I am working at the roots."

~ George T.Angell

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men"

~ St. Francis of Assisi

"Cruelty has cursed the human family for countless ages. It is almost impossible for one to be cruel to animals and kind to humans. If children are permitted to be cruel to their pets and other animals, they easily learn to get the same pleasure from the misery of fellow-humans. Such tendencies can easily lead to crime."

~Fred A. McGrand

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