Animal neglect and abuse must always be reported. People who witness these crimes and opt not to interfere become passive participants. We now know there is a direct correlation between animal abuse and human criminality. An excellent source for information on this link is the Humane Society of the United States' First Strike Campaign.
If you witness an incident of animal abuse or neglect, your first line of defense is your local humane society. Most Illinois humane societies and animal shelters have humane investigators on staff (CLICK HERE for a list by city in Illinois. For a national list of shelters, CLICK HERE). Their job is to investigate reports of animal neglect and abuse, and to act on their findings. If there is no humane society near you, try a local rescue organization. All reputable rescue groups and shelters can also be located through Petfinder.
State Departments of Agriculture may also have humane investigators on staff. Here in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Health & Welfare investigates reports of dog-fighting, and unethical behavior of Class A and B licensees, which include shelters, rescues, breeding facilities and pet stores. Nationally, the Animal Legal Defense Fund may be of use in abuse cases.
Local police may be a resource in cases of animal abuse and neglect, however, many police departments are unaware of the new, stronger animal welfare laws in Illinois. You may need to present them with this printable list of the eight new animal welfare laws passed in Illinois during the 92nd General Assembly.
If all else fails, contact your local newspapers, radio and television stations. Be persistent. Someone will listen.
