The Voice for the Animals foundation assists with the reporting and prosecuting of animal abuse and neglect. We have taken an active role in training LAPD officers, and work closely with both the police and the city attorney’s Animal Protection Unit.
Law enforcement officers are responsible for the investigation of animal cruelty, which ranges from misdemeanor to felony, depending upon the severity and level of intent. These crimes are all important because they affect many aspects of society.
The State of California represents the interests of animals much in the same way that it represents the interests of minor children or other dependent victims.
The Police Department is responsible for investigating all State/ City crimes and protecting all victims.
Law enforcement officers are obligated and empowered to remove victim animals from jeopardy, and are responsible for ensuring their safety once aware of their status as victims, with the assistance of the Department of Animal Services.
Law enforcement officers are fully empowered to arrest and/or cite animal abusers.
Reporting Animal Abuse
- WHERE the incident is occurring: exact address is imperative (residence, business, vicinity, i.e., beach area next to…); also, direction of travel (i.e., walking, driving away).
- WHO is doing it: description of perpetrator(s) including gender, age, ethnicity, basic physical description (hair color, length, clothing).
- DESCRIPTION of ANIMAL(S) and WHERE animal(s) is/are located on property.
WHAT the nature of the abuse is (beating, neglect, left confined in hot car). - IN PROGRESS or CHRONIC PROBLEM. Is it occuring just right at that moment or does it occur routinely? If chronic, give background of the problem to help officer understand the problem. If in progress and of an URGENT nature, alert complaint operator so that an expeditious response can be initiated (as in cases of dogfight in progress, stabbing, strangling, etc.).
- Your NAME and phone number. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ANONYMOUSLY REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE, but the more involved the complainant is in the process, the more likely the success of the investigation. You may be able to remain anonymous initially but still leave contact information.
- Take photos, video tapes, or audio tapes to assist officers if you can do so WITHOUT JEOPARDIZING YOUR OWN SAFETY. If you know the location of evidence, alert police to its whereabouts.
For Your Information: Animal Laws in the City of Los Angeles
THE LAW: Sec. 597.7. ANIMAL IN UNATTENDED MOTOR VEHICLE.
(a) No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.
TRANSLATION: It is illegal to leave your dog in the car on a hot day.
THE LAW: Sec. 122335. Dog Tethering.
No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object.
TRANSLATION: It is illegal to tie your dog to a stationary object outside of a restaurant or store.
For a complete list of laws regarding animals in the City of Los Angeles, please CLICK HERE.
No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog,
or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or
restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary
object.