How to Help Reporting Animal Abuse Main Content
Animal Cruelty
What is Animal Cruelty?
Animal Cruelty is when someone hurts an animal or does not care for an animal responsibly, like not giving him food and water. It is against the law to be cruel to or harm animals, even your own pets.
What Should You Do About It?
Since an animal who is being hurt can not get help on her own, she needs you to speak up for her. Depending on the situation, there are different ways to respond to animal cruelty:
If you see someone hurting an animal
#1 – Don’t Touch. The first thing to remember, is do not try to make the people stop hurting the animal. Even though it can be very upsetting to see someone being cruel, those people may try to hurt you if you get involved.
#2 – Get an Adult You Trust. This could be your mom, dad, grandparent, teacher or neighbor. Tell the adult what you saw and together, call for help.
#3 – Call 911. Have your trusted adult explain the emergency to the operator. The operator will tell the police or Animal Control officers to go immediately to the scene to help the animal.
If you know an animal who is not being cared for responsibly
# 1 – Don’t Touch. Even if you know the animal needs help, don’t try to help him on your own. If he is hurt or has been abused he may not realize you are trying to help.
#2 – Get an Adult You Trust. This could be your mom, dad, grandparent, teacher or neighbor. Tell the adult what you saw and together, get help.
#3 – Call Animal Control. The animal control officers or animal cops can help the animal or advise you on how to help the animal.
PAWS has no legal authority to catch people abusing animals, but your local animal control officers do. Here is a list of Animal Control Phone Numbers for the Seattle area. You can also find the phone numbers for animal control near the front of your phone book.
Why Are People Cruel to Animals?
Animals like us, can feel pain and fear. For most people, it’s horrible to think about hurting an animal. But it’s important to understand why people are cruel to animals so that we can help prevent people and animals from being hurt in the future.
Many people who are cruel to animals have been abused themselves or they think of animals as objects instead of creatures with feelings. People who Abuse animals are also more likely to hurt other people. This is why it’s so important to report animal abuse. Not only will you help the animal, but you will help your community be a safer place for everyone.
How Else Can You Help?
You can help prevent animal cruelty by telling your friends and family how to be responsible animal guardians. Share with them how animals depend on us for their care, that we should show kindness by giving animals love and attention they need.
Want to Learn More?
Reporting Animal Abuse
