As the temperatures have hit record lows, concerns for our pets grow. Whether you are witnessing a dog that has been kept outdoors in the subzero temperatures too long, or an animal that has been abused, neglected or abandoned, we want you to call us and let us know. You can either file a report by calling our main number at 937-268-PETS (7387), our cruelty/neglect hot line at 855-PETS-911 or you can fill out a report online at www.hsdayton.org.
All cruelty and neglect reports are investigated and looked into by one of our humane agents, but if you would like us to follow-up with you after the investigation please let us know.
To help us out, here are a few tips for you to follow before you fill out a cruelty/neglect report:
• Collect as much information as you can.
• Describe the abuse that you have witnessed in as much detail as possible.
• Include the address, date and time, as well as the name of the abuser if known.
• Provide your phone number and address so our investigating humane agent can contact you with any questions or clarifications needed (your personal information will remain anonymous).
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is proud to be the only facility in Montgomery County with a full-time humane agent on staff to investigate the more than 650 reports of cruelty and neglect we receive each year. In fact, we also have the largest group of volunteer humane agents in the state, most of which are active duty law enforcement officers throughout the cities within Montgomery County.
These humane agents are appointed by the Probate Court judge and under Ohio Revised Code 959.13 and 959.131, they have the ability to investigate, secure search warrants and arrest individuals regarding cruelty and neglect toward animals.
What makes the Humane Society of Greater Dayton unique is that we are the only facility that can investigate cruelty and neglect cases against a variety of animals, not just cats and dogs, within our county. This will include farm animals, exotic animals, pocket pets, companion animals, birds and more.
Another resource for concerned residents is the Animal Resource Center. This county-run agency acts as the dog control facility for all of Montgomery County.
Their dog warden and team of animal control officers deal primarily with dog control issues, can help in picking up loose dogs and also investigate cases of cruelty or neglect against dogs in our county. If you are witnessing cruel or neglectful situations regarding dogs in our community, you can file a report with them by calling 937-898-4457.
If you are witnessing something cruel or neglectful that is being done to wild animals, you will need to contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife. They can assist with all issues regarding wildlife such as deer, raccoons, etc. Although this is a state-run organization, it has a local county officer, which you can contact at 937-372-5639, ext. 5211.
Remember, it takes courage to stand up and report cruelty and neglect against an animal in need. No problem is too small or too big to report. We ask all of you to help our organizations out and keep a watch out for the animals in our community. Together we are the eyes and ears for those who don’t have a voice and together we can help give these animals the second chance they deserve.
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