To hold animal abusers accountable, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office launched an Animal Cruelty Task Force in our region in January 2018. Since then, many animal abusers have been brought to justice with the help of the County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Since animals cannot speak for themselves, it is up to us to help.
Did you know animal cruelty may result in a misdemeanor or felony? In California, it is illegal to:
- Organize dog fighting
- Tether a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours
- Leave pets unattended for extended periods of time: in vehicles in extreme weather; or without food and water
- Maliciously and intentionally maim, mutilate, beat, torture, torment, wound, or kill an animal or overdrive, overload, or overwork animals
- Deprive animals of necessary sustenance, access to water, shelter, veterinarian care, and adequate exercise
- Poison animals belonging to another person
- Abandon an animal
- Fail to provide proper care for animals in pet shops
- Cruelly transport animals in a vehicle
Here are a few ways you can help prevent animal cruelty:
- When reporting an animal cruelty incident, make sure you are not in danger.
- Collect as much information as you can, including descriptions, photos and videos, if possible.
- To report an emergency, such as to rescue a dog in a hot, locked car, call 9-1-1
- To report a non-emergency animal abuse and neglect incident immediately, dial 3-1-1 or (916) 874-4311.
Remember, If you see something, say something. Be alert to animal cruelty – even when it’s not Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. More information about reporting animal abuse and cruelty can be found on the Bradshaw Animal Shelter website.