Q: I would like to know is there anything I can do if I know a dog is being abused. There is nothing worse to me than seeing a helpless animal being beaten -- I can’t stand it! And worst of all, my 4-year-old son was with me as we witnessed this inhuman act on a poor helpless dog! I talked to a person down the street to see if there was anything I could do, but he didn't think it would do any good....
A few years ago I also watched as a man beat his dog in a parking lot, all because the dog got sick in his truck! I called 911, but the officer who came just told me that the man could do whatever he wanted because it is legally his property and he has the right to shoot the dog in front of me if he so chooses!
A: Thanks for your message and for caring. Laws that protect animals from abuse and neglect vary from state to state, but there is, to my knowledge, nowhere in the United States where it is legal to beat a dog so as to cause them physical harm.
The problem is, as you experienced, many police officers are not aware of anti-cruelty laws and are reluctant to intervene to prevent abuse and cruelty. This is not always the case, but it happens all too often. It may stem from the fact that in many jurisdictions it is not the police who enforce animal protection laws, but separate “humane officers” or “animal wardens.” (Their title also varies from place to place.)
Your first step should be to call the local humane society or animal control agency for your area. They will be able to explain the laws in your town that protect animals. They can also investigate a report you make and should be open to taking anonymous calls. They may ask for your contact information for their internal use, but no competent and professional law enforcement official would share your information with the abuser.
I would encourage you to find out what protections animals have in your town and to report any cases of abuse you witness immediately. Too many animals who should enjoy the protection of the law continue to suffer because people remain silent. They cannot speak up for themselves, and if those of us who care do not report the abuse, who will?
Good luck,
Scotlund Haisley