Reporting Abuse of Free-Roaming Cats
Reporting Abuse of Free-Roaming Cats
Cruelty towards domestic cats is illegal in Pennsylvania. The most effective way to combat and prevent such cruelty is by reporting it. Though reporting cruelty can require courage and persistence, it’s important not to hesitate to take action.
Cruelty towards domestic cats is illegal in Pennsylvania. The most effective way to combat and prevent such cruelty is by reporting it. Though reporting cruelty can require courage and persistence, it’s important not to hesitate to take action.
Pennsylvania law safeguards domestic cats, alongside other animals. Killing, maiming, or disfiguring a domestic cat is a criminal act under the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (PA ST L8 Pa. CSA 5 5511). This includes poisoning or attempts to poison.
Pennsylvania law safeguards domestic cats, alongside other animals. Killing, maiming, or disfiguring a domestic cat is a criminal act under the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (PA ST L8 Pa. CSA 5 5511). This includes poisoning or attempts to poison.
In June 2017, Act 10 (also known as Libre's Law) was enacted, strengthening penalties for such offenses. It categorizes penalties based on the severity of the act, including neglect, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty. The law also offers civil immunity to veterinary professionals and humane police officers when they report crimes in good faith, similar to the protection law enforcement officers receive.
In June 2017, Act 10 (also known as Libre's Law) was enacted, strengthening penalties for such offenses. It categorizes penalties based on the severity of the act, including neglect, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty. The law also offers civil immunity to veterinary professionals and humane police officers when they report crimes in good faith, similar to the protection law enforcement officers receive.
While your emotions may run high in response to witnessing cruelty, staying calm and thoughtful is the most effective approach, as it’s more likely to lead to actionable results.
While your emotions may run high in response to witnessing cruelty, staying calm and thoughtful is the most effective approach, as it’s more likely to lead to actionable results.
Who to Contact
Who to Contact
In many areas, there isn't a specific agency assigned to investigate animal cruelty. Local police or sheriff departments may dismiss reports of cruelty against free-roaming cats, even though it may be their responsibility to investigate. If local authorities don't take your report seriously, remind them of the following points:
In many areas, there isn't a specific agency assigned to investigate animal cruelty. Local police or sheriff departments may dismiss reports of cruelty against free-roaming cats, even though it may be their responsibility to investigate. If local authorities don't take your report seriously, remind them of the following points:
- Animal cruelty is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania.
- Repeated offenses are common.
- There is a known link between animal abuse and other violent behaviors.
- Police investigations of animal cruelty can often uncover additional crimes like domestic abuse, child neglect, or the illegal drug trade.
Clearly express that you expect the authorities to investigate this case just as they would any other crime, and that if there is no response, you will escalate the matter to local government officials.
Clearly express that you expect the authorities to investigate this case just as they would any other crime, and that if there is no response, you will escalate the matter to local government officials.
In most cases, unless the animal is in immediate danger, you should start by contacting the local humane society or SPCA, many of which have humane officers on staff. Below is a list of contacts by county. However, if you witness cruelty happening, call 911 immediately. The dispatcher will direct the appropriate authorities. Do not attempt to intervene on your own.
In most cases, unless the animal is in immediate danger, you should start by contacting the local humane society or SPCA, many of which have humane officers on staff. Below is a list of contacts by county. However, if you witness cruelty happening, call 911 immediately. The dispatcher will direct the appropriate authorities. Do not attempt to intervene on your own.
- Adams County: Report to Adams County SPCA Humane Department at 717-334-8876 Ext. 22 or email aavery@adamscountyspca.net. For immediate danger, call 911.
- Cumberland County: Report to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area at 717-564-3320, Ext. 104 or the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter at 717-263-5791 or cvasofficer@cvas-pets.org. For immediate danger, call 911.
- Dauphin County: Report to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area at 717-564-3320, Ext. 104. For immediate danger, call 911.
- Franklin County: Report to Antietam Humane Society (Waynesboro) at 717-762-9091 or Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter (Chambersburg) at 717-263-5791 or cvasofficer@cvas-pets.org. For immediate danger, call 911.
- Lancaster County: Report to the Humane League of Lancaster County at 717-393-6551, Ext. 229 or email humanelawenforcement@humaneleague.com or ORCA at 717-397-8922. For immediate danger, call 911.
- Lebanon County: Report to Lebanon County Humane Society at 717-628-1369 or email humanelawenforcement@humaneleague.com.
- Perry County: Report to Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area at 717-564-3320, Ext. 104. For immediate danger, call 911.
- York County: Report to York County SPCA Humane Officer at 717-764-6109. For immediate danger, call 911.
Assisting Humane Officers in Investigations
Assisting Humane Officers in Investigations
There are several ways you can help humane officers with their investigations by providing clear and detailed information. The more evidence you can offer, the more effective their investigation will be.
There are several ways you can help humane officers with their investigations by providing clear and detailed information. The more evidence you can offer, the more effective their investigation will be.
- Document the location of the incident, including the street address or nearby cross streets. If possible, include the name of the person involved in the abuse.
- Provide a concise, factual statement with dates and approximate times. Writing it down beforehand can help.
- Include any photos or videos of the event, and gather reports from other witnesses.
- Keep a record of whom you contacted, when, and the outcome of each interaction, including copies of all materials you shared.
- Follow up if you don't hear back in a reasonable amount of time. If you feel the case is not being properly investigated, escalate the issue to the officer’s supervisor or local officials, such as your county commissioner.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that animal cruelty is addressed promptly and thoroughly.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that animal cruelty is addressed promptly and thoroughly.