Report Animal Cruelty

Cases of cruelty and neglect should be reported to the shelter at 814-535-6116. You must leave your name and telephone number in order for a case to be investigated. Your name will be kept confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Cruelty

What is animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

What should I do if I witness an animal being mistreated?
If you are a witness to cruelty or neglect of an animal, please report it to the shelter at (814) 535-6116.  Please make sure you give your name and telephone number, as anonymous complaints cannot be investigated.  Your information will be kept confidential.

How are complaints investigated?
The HSCC has one certified Humane Police Officer and a Humane Complaint Coordinator on staff.  The Humane Complaint Coordinator is the in-shelter contact person for any citizen wanting to report cruelty to animals.  Cases are classified as to their type, severity, or need for immediate intervention, and assigned to the Humane Police Officer accordingly.  The HSCC handles cases of abuse in Cambria County only.  Investigations of cruelty to animals are conducted on a county by county basis by the officers sworn to the specific county where the violation has occurred.

What happens to the pet owner and the animals in these cases?
State and local laws are written to protect the individuals being prosecuted as well as the animals involved. Such laws also determine how long the animals must be housed at the animal shelter while a case is being processed by the court system. Caring for animals seized in a cruelty case can be an expensive and time-consuming effort. When animals must be housed at the shelter for long periods of time while a case is being processed, it can create stress for both the animals and the staff.

What happens when authorities prosecute an animal cruelty case?
Depending on the severity of the case, individuals found guilty may be imprisoned. Appropriate sentencing can also include individual or family counseling, community service, or diversion programs. It is rarely the goal of the authorities to imprison a child for cruelty to animals. Law enforcement officers and judges recognize that cruelty to animals is one part of a complex problem. Sometimes the official response to animal cruelty provides a family its first opportunity to get help.

Can reports be made anonymously?
No, they cannot. Successful prosecutions often depend on an identifiable witness who can authenticate evidence. However, the majority of investigations are handled without the need to go to trial.

Will I be required to testify?
If a case goes to trial and you have identified yourself as the complainant in either a written or an oral report, you may be called to testify.