Reporting Cases

At Litigation for Animal Welfare, we are dedicated to ensuring justice for animals who have suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation. If you have witnessed or suspect animal abuse, it is crucial to take action. This page provides guidance on how to report cases effectively, whether they involve individual acts of cruelty to large-scale abuse.

Reporting Suspected Animal Abuse

If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, it is important to report the case to the appropriate local authorities. Contact your local animal control agency, humane society, or law enforcement department. If you are unsure where to report, visit your city or county government’s website for information on animal welfare enforcement. When reporting, provide as many details as possible, including:

  • The location of the incident

  • A description of the animal(s) involved

  • The nature of the suspected abuse or neglect

  • Any supporting evidence, such as photos, videos, or witness statements

No matter how tempting, DO NOT remove an animal from an owner or go onto private property, without the permission of authorities. Doing so can result in civil and criminal charges against you and the return of the animal to the suspected abuser.

Consider taking one of LAW’s FREE zoom classes on animal rescue, reporting abuse, or local animal activism to learn the skills needed to be an effective abuse reporter and advocate. Find out more about our classes HERE

Reporting Large-Scale Abuse or Neglect & Providing Information About Ongoing LAW Investigations and Cases

Cases involving large-scale animal cruelty—such as puppy mills, factory farm mistreatment, illegal breeding operations, or organized animal fighting—should be reported to state and federal authorities. You may also report large-scale abuse using the form at the bottom of this page.

If you have information related to an ongoing animal welfare investigation, lawsuit or prosecution, we encourage you to share information with us through the form at the bottom of this page. This includes:

  • Witness statements or firsthand accounts

  • Documentation of continued violations

  • Any evidence that may support legal action

Your report could help strengthen a case and ensure justice for the animals involved.

However, many well meaning people can inadvertently complicate a case by providing content that is either legally inactionable, not fact based, or was gained illegally. This includes:

  • Third party accounts or hearsay - if you didn’t personally witness something it is usually inactionable.

  • Guesses, suppositions, or information gained from social media

  • Information gained illegally such as photos taken by trespassing or illegally recorded conversations (depending on the state)

  • Defamation or content gained through threats or intimidation

We appreciate that people can be very passionate, but as a litigation resource, we are required to provide information that is legally allowed.

By taking action, you can help protect animals and hold abusers accountable. Every report matters—thank you for being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Let’s work together to protect animals.

If you have information that may be relevant to a new or ongoing investigation, fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly.

Upon review, we will contact you with a DropBox link so that supporting documents can be securely provided.