Commonwealth of Virginia Animal Cruelty Laws 

Abuse and Neglect

Who do I call to report a case of suspected abuse / neglect.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia you need to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to your local animal control office or humane society. 

In other states the procedure may be the same or you may have to contact a local law enforcement agency such as the police or sheriff.

What information does a humane investigator/animal control officer need in order to investigate equine neglect/abuse/cruelty?

1.       The exact address or a very good description of where the equine can be located now or if necessary the officer may need you to meet him/her and show the way.

2.       What you perceive the problem to be - how long it has been going on etc.

3.       What you personally witnessed or the name of the person who told you and their telephone number if possible or how they can locate the person who has witnessed the neglect/abuse/cruelty.

4.       A good description of the equine in question: it's size, breed, color, markings etc.

5.       While it may not be necessary, the investigator may need your name, address, and telephone number if:

§         A warrant will be needed to enter a barn in order to view the equine.

§         The investigator needs to contact you for more information - better directions or to request that you monitor the situation in the future.

For Equine cruelty investigations to be effective and hopefully remedy the situation, your help and cooperation is imperative.

(Information taken from the Days End Farm Horse Rescue website www.defhr.org)