What can I do about suspected animal cruelty?

Question

I live in Southern Cali and I live in an apartment. My neighbors have a snake, 2 birds, and most importantly, a tiny chiuaha (spelling?) dog, and they leave them all outside, practically all day. We have been experiencing well over 100 degree weather here, and the poor little dog cries and cries outside the door the whole time its out there. I think this is so mean- it s breaks my heart, and it has been going on about a week. I complained to the management and they did nothing. Do you think this is animal cruelty? Who can I report it to? Thanks!

Answer 1

California has some stiff animal laws. try contacting your local SPCA office. or humane society.
does the Chihuahua have food, shelter and water while it is outside?
if not this is DEFINITELY a neglect case. at the very least your state laws will demand food and water.
also...you said that the chihuahua is more important than your concern for the other animals? why? if the Chihuahua is thrown outside, chances are the birds and snake are not cared for as well. NO animal should suffer...i don't care what it is. let them know that there are more than the dog on the property.
if they investigate and find the dog without proper care, and they KNOW that they have other animals inside, they can secure a warrant for the remanding animals. also make sure that you TELL the SPCA investigator that you have contacted the apartment manager and they have done nothing, then file a complaint with the local SPCA investigators OR the police about the non-action of the apartment manager. THERE ARE LAWS AND EVERYONE MUST FOLLOW THEM!
i HATE idiots that ignore animal abuse because "its just an animal or its not my business."
because it's every ones business. and it was his duty to report any neglect or abuse. a complaint and trouble w/the police will make him think really hard before he lets another poor dog suffer on his watch again!


EDITED:
martin b
there is nothing "bleeding hearted" about calling in a CONCERN over the wellfair of an animal. if the owners have nothing to hide, then what is the big deal!?
would you pose the same question to someone that suspects child abuse??
many homes with child abuse go unreported because "mind your own business" is ringing in their ears from you and like-minded ppl of the same yoke!
it is better to know than to always wonder WHAT IF!
and if all you going to do is throw a dog outside in the back yard and never pay him any attention...then WHY even bother having a dog....he's not a lawn orniment.

and as for the tempertature issue! i live in the southwest, near MEXICO, and DOGS CAN AND HAVE died from heat stroke out here! why? because IDIOTS assume that a dog would be okay in the heat...chihuahuas included! and guess what..they ARE NOT OKAY, in 110+ degree weather, 102 in the SHADE! last week we picked up 12 dogs suffering from heat stroke.
5 died.
what did the owners have to say? "well...we thought he would be okay, ya know, he's just a dog...that kind of dog is used to the hot weather...duh duh duh..."

Answer 2

I need more info to know whether or not this is really a case of animal cruelty- short haired chihuahuas should be able to withstand high temperatures but leaving it out all day in 100 degree weather may be pushing it. Does it have a dog house? Are there any accessible shady spots for it to sit in? Does it have plenty of water?
Call the humane society rather than animal control or the police... well, it depends on what town you live in; some larger cities have an animal cruelty department with police working on it. If you call animal control they will likely put the dog to sleep.

Answer 3

It's cruelty if there's no shade or water- really these animals should be indoors most of the time, not just in extremely hot weather.

Just call the Humane Society and talk to someone, at the very worst, they'll tell you they don't think there's a problem. At the very best, they'll come and take the animals away and give them to people who will take better care of them.

Answer 4

Yes it is animal cruelty, especially with the temps so high. Call the animal control and they should send an officer to investigate. You will need the exact address of the apartment and what animals are involved. Let them know how long this has gone on and that the dog has been crying.

Answer 5

The Humane Society has a web page that talks about this at length, as does the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). I'd refer to them.

Answer 6

it is animal cruelty and you need to report it to the humane society or any other law enforcement agency. you could kidnap the pets and take them in yourself. and how can you, as a person, watch this happen for a week and not do anything? i've seen animals neglected and abused and i take action the moment it comes to my attention. you should at least take them some water or try to provide shade.

Answer 7

Well, go talk to your neighbors about it, if they don't then ask them why they r doin this, u could call 911? dunno about that..... anywaysI think they just dont want animals in the house, not because they're cruel, why don't u ask them if u can keep them inside your home when cold outside if it's ok with u. if not , maybe 911 is the soloution, but they might be pissed if u called them just for some animals they don't care about, well, i hope u will try what i said!

Answer 8

Yes!!!!! You can most definitely complain about that! Try the humane society or animal control. Please make sure you report them. Animal cruelty is very wrong and neglect is definitely a type of cruelty!
If you're located near the California SPCA you can possible try them as well. Please don't hesitate in calling someone though!!!

Answer 9

You should contact your local police dept and ask them if there is an division of ASPCA if so get the number and call and they will take a report and investigate the situation. If there is no division in your area call your local Humane Society and give them the report and they will take care of it for you.

Answer 10

You can report it to your local SPCA or Humane Society, who will investigate it as a possible animal cruelty case. Most likely, they will simply warn the owners, but they will keep tabs on them and will prosecute if they see recurring infractions.