Abuse/Neglect Investigations

Abuse/Neglect

Please note: The Sacramento SPCA does not provide abuse/neglect investigation services.

Do not report cases of abuse or neglect through this web site or to us via e-mail. Instead, click the link below for information on who to contact.

Reporting Cases of Abuse or Neglect
What you should to do report animal abuse or neglect.

What constitutes abuse or neglect?

In some situations, neglect is not intentional but is caused by a lack of education. For example, unknowing dog owners leave their pets in cars on hot Sacramento days. The air inside can reach lethal temperatures in just 10 minutes. Officers from Sacramento City or County Animal Care can respond and offer assistance. By law, every animal must have adequate shelter from the weather such as a doghouse, and access to fresh water and food. Though it's unfortunately not a law, we recommend companion animals should be indoors most of the time as members of the family as they are safer, healthier, happier and better behaved.

In other cases, animals are intentionally abused or neglected. In those situations, Sacramento City or County Animal Care officers can remove the animal to safety and work with local law enforcement to prosecute the abuser. Cruelty to and neglect of animals is illegal.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Violence against animals is the single best predictor of violence against people.

You Can Help Animals Like Murphy

Murphy was one of three dogs confined to a backyard by an owner who had stopped feeding them for months simply because he didn't want them anymore. The only shelter from the sun and rain was one doghouse-- the door now blocked by the body of a dog that recently died of starvation. Through the life saving compassion of a neighbor who reported the neglect, Humane Officers were able to respond, rescue Murphy and his friend, and bring the owner to justice. The veterinarian who treated Murphy upon his rescue reported that in 25 years he'd never seen a dog so infested with ticks and fleas. Murphy and his surviving dog friend were covered by so many ticks and fleas that they were anemic. Murphy was immediately placed into a foster home where he began his long recovery. He surprised his foster parents with his immediate trusting and loving personality towards all people, dogs and cats, demonstrating the true resiliency of the animal spirit. Murphy is now a happy, healthy and loved member of a family, living the life that all animals deserve.

Sadly, there are other animals in our area that have not yet been rescued. The SSPCA helps these animals through private donations. You can help the SSPCA by making a donation online today.