When a report of animal cruelty is made to the Department, an Animal Control Officer will investigate the case. If it is determined that inhumane treatment is occurring, the animal may be removed from the situation and placed in protective care until a decision has been made.

The California Penal Code defines animal cruelty as the malicious or intentional maiming, mutilation, torture or wounding of a living animal. Any person who overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary food, drink or shelter, cruelly beats, mutilates or cruelly kills an animal is guilty of a misdemeanor or felony. Any person who owns, possesses, keeps or trains a dog with the intent to engage the animal in exhibition fighting, as well as any person who is knowingly present as a spectator at an exhibition of fighting of dogs, is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, any person who willfully abandons any animal is guilty of a misdemeanor.

If you observe or suspect the mistreatment of an animal, contact your local Animal Care Center or the Animal Cruelty Task Force at 213-847-1417 and our staff will investigate.

Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium Forum Report, Tufts University 2006

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