Abuse & Neglect

It’s never too late to report abuse or neglect of an animal

Abuse and neglect takes many forms, from active cruelty to passive indifference to financial or emotional inability to care for an animal. The end result is always the same: a sick, hurt, scared animal that needs a new life.

We work with you to give them that new life

We do not believe that any animal should be left to be euthanized at a high kill facility because they are sick or injured. Society has already failed them at one point in time and someone needs to speak up and rescue those that are defenseless and without a voice. That is who we are are and that is what Animal House Shelter has always been about.

On average, Animal House Shelter takes in at least one animal a week that has:

  • Heartworm
  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Patella damage
  • Heart issues
  • Diabetes
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Autoimmune deficiencies
  • Liver shunts
  • Mange
  • Social disorders

These ailments & surgeries are extremely expensive and we need the community’s help to not leave these poor souls to be discarded with no one to care for them.

Donate Now To Help The Victims Of Animal Abuse

Identifying abuse and neglect

According to the Illinois Criminal Animal Protect Law, the owner of a pet has four primary duties. They have to provide:

  • Sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water
  • Adequate shelter and protection from the weather
  • Humane care and treatment.
  • Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering

These can be withheld through abuse or neglect, and if you spot it: report it.

Prevent dog fighting!

Should you receive or have any information related to suspected dog fighting or animal abuse/neglect, please do not hesitate to contact Steven Davis directly. His team will take immediate action.

Steven Davis
Director: Star #81
Animal Crimes Investigations Unit
Cook County Sheriff’s Police
773-717-6370

Report Animal Abuse

In addition to local police departments, there are many places where you can report animal abuse and neglect in Illinois.

Animal Welfare League
Phone: 708-636-8586, Ext 256

Illinois Humane Society
Phone: 217-698-3804

The Anti-Cruelty Society
Phone: 312-644-8338, Ext. 304
Email: abuse@anticruelty.org

Common Questions Regard Animal Abuse and Neglect

What should I do if I witness an animal being mistreated?

If you witness animal abuse or neglect, please contact your local humane society, animal shelter, police department or animal control agency immediately. In most areas, those agencies have the authority to enforce state and local laws related to animals and the capability to investigate and resolve these situations.

Why is it important for me to report abuse and neglect?

Agencies rely on concerned citizens to be their eyes and ears in the community and to report animal suffering.

What will these agencies accomplish?

These dedicated agencies have the important job of ensuring that animals in their jurisdiction receive proper food, water, and shelter, and are protected from abandonment and cruel treatment. The prevention of cruelty to animals represents the core mission of many local animal care organizations.

Can I remain anonymous?

We understand that there are situations where you wish not to be identified. You can choose to remain anonymous, although giving your name to your humane agency will enable that group to follow up with you when necessary.

How are complaints investigated?

While the exact process may vary depending on the local laws and procedures, an officer will look into the complaint to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. If in fact a violation has occurred, the officer may speak with the owner and issue a citation and give the owner a chance to correct the violation.

How can I tell neglect from abuse?

We understand that very few people actively want to abuse an animal, but they don’t have the capacity or knowledge to take care of them, or to see the signs of neglect. We’re often reluctant to report that.

But don’t be. The majority of reports come from neglect, and the humane officer’s biggest role is as an educator—informing well-meaning, but unknowledgeable, pet owners of the proper care of their pets.

Will the owners be prosecuted?

Very rarely. Some animal neglect or abuse may be extreme and require immediate intervention. Depending on the circumstances, the animals may be removed from the situation by the humane agency to protect them from further harm. The agency will present the case to the prosecutor’s office for further evaluation and possible prosecution. Some agencies have the power to obtain and serve warrants; other agencies work closely with local police who execute the search warrant on their behalf.

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.

With the best interests of the animals in mind, many states have established civil procedures to allow the agency to petition the general district court in the city or county where the animals were seized for a hearing to expedite custody of the animals to the agency. This type of process prevents a long stay at the shelter for the animals involved while waiting for resolution to the trial, and allows them to be adopted to new, safe homes or humanely euthanized if they are suffering or unsuitable for adoption.

Why should I report it?

In addition to protecting vulnerable animals, who have rights and protections, you can also help prevent further crime. According to the Humane Society of the United States’s “First Strike” report, animal abuse is a leading indicator of future crime. You can protect animals, and your community, by doing your duty of a citizen.

Volunteer To Help Our Pets Start New Lives

As a non-profit, we rely on people like you to help us rescue our pets and prepare them for their new homes. Join the Animal House community.