Report Animal Abuse  or Neglect
 

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 First

Linda Headley (Illinois Approved Humane Investigator)  618-847-2981

• 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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Gracies Safe Harbor

The Animal Legal Defense Fund

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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