Fight Animal Cruelty!

Report Animal Cruelty! Animal cruelty is not only wrong-it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.

Tips for Reporting Animal Cruelty

Once you have found out which law enforcement agent, Humane Society, or ASPCA you should speak to, it's important to provide him or her with a concise, written, factual statement of what you observed, giving dates and approximate times whenever possible.It is also very important that you give the correct address of where the cruelty is taking place.Keep in mind that you can remain anonymous.

Where to Report Animal Cruelty

Where do I report animal cruelty in Broome County? You can report cruelty or dog fighting complaints to The Humane Society. Please call us at 607-724-3709 or email us at bhumanesoc @aol.com. If an animal is in serious danger please call your local police department, the Broome County Sheriff's Department or the New York State Police immediately to report the abuse.

If you witness animal cruelty in progress and do not know the number to the appropriate agency, CALL 911. Animal cruelty is a crime, and the police dispatcher will be able to determine which department should respond.

Recognizing Animal Cruelty

What constitutes animal cruelty? Animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

• Tick or flea infestations
• Wounds on the body
• Patches of missing hair
• Extremely thin, starving animal
• Limping
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Animals who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and/or often chained in a yard
• Animals that have been hit by a car, or are otherwise injured, and have not been taken to a veterinarian
• Animals who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions (there is a New York State dog shelter law!)
• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

Laws About Animal Cruelty

Are there laws against animal cruelty in my state? Most animal cruelty laws vary from state to state. Knowing your state's laws is crucial to fighting animal cruelty. The ASPCA has an online database with more than 550 animal cruelty laws-and their penalties-from all 50 states.

This database, maintained by the ASPCA Government Affairs and Public Policy department, is a dynamic resource for providing information relating to animal cruelty laws. You can select your state, or even use ASPCA keyword search to find a specific topic. Access this database and find out about the laws against animal cruelty in your state.

New York State's Dog Shelter Law

Everyone in New York State is required to provide shelter for their dog under state law. The Humane Society, as well as local police agencies, can enforce this law. If a dog spends any time outdoors, the owner must provide shelter to protect the dog from direct sunlight, rain, snow, wind, cold weather, hot weather, and other inclement conditions. The shelter must be waterproof, insulated and allow the dog to move around freely. The dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down.

The Law in Detail

Section 353-b of the New York Agriculture & Markets Law describes the legal requirements for sheltering dogs. Violators will receive a court citation and be required to pay a fine ranging from $50 to $250. They will also be required to show proof of shelter for the dog.

I. Minimum Requirements:

1. A dog restrained outdoors must have shade to protect the dog from direct sunlight.
2. A dog left outdoors in inclement weather must also have a housing facility that:
   • Has a waterproof roof;
   • Is structurally sound with insulation appropriate to local climatic conditions and sufficient to protect the dog from inclement weather;
   • Is constructed so as to allow each dog adequate freedom of movement to make normal postural adjustments, including the ability to stand up, turn around, and lie down with limbs outstretched;
   • Allows for effective removal of excretions, other waste material, dirt, and trash.
3. In addition, the area surrounding the housing facility and the facility itself must be regularly cleaned.

II. Penalties

1. First offense: Fine ranging from $50.00-$100.00.
2. Second and subsequent offense: Fine ranging from $100.00-$250.00.
3. Once seventy-two (72) hours has passed since a violation, each new day the violation is not remedied constitutes a new violation.
4. A dog may be seized by officers based on violation of this section.