Report Animal Cruelty

The Humane Society of Cambria County does not currently have a Humane Officer on staff.  Cases of cruelty and neglect should be reported to your state or local police or to the PSPCA.  The PSPCA can be reached by phone at 1-866-601-7722 or by e-mail at cruelty@pspca.org.

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 your state or local police or to the PSPCA.  The PSPCA can be reached by phone at 1-866-601-7722 or by e-mail at cruelty@pspca.org.

How are complaints investigated?
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. You should also report the cruelty complaint to your local police department whose duty it is to investigate. More information about Humane Law Enforcement can be found on the PSPCA website.

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.