If you see an animal in eminent danger, CALL 911.
If you witness or suspect an act of cruelty against an animal CALL our Humane Law Enforcement Division at 814-881-0220.
All complaints are held in strict confidence and all callers are anonymous.
Reporting Animal Cruelty
To file a complaint of abuse and/or neglect, our Humane Officers will need the assistance of the reporting party. Successful prosecution requires at least one witness to the abuse or a video. Humane Officers must also speak with the reporting party. Your information is held in strict confidence and you may remain anonymous.
Please do not email reports of animal abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Dusse after recovery.
Dusse at intake.
To investigate a report of animal abuse, abandonment, or neglect, our officers need the following information:
- The name and phone number of the reporting party.
- The address where the animal(s) is located.
- What the problem is and when it was noticed.
- If possible, the name of the owner of the animal(s) or of the person committing the act of cruelty.
In some cases, officers will work to educate the current owner on proper animal care and PA Animal Cruelty Laws to improve the quality of life so the animal may remain in its home. If remediation is not successful, or if the animal requires immediate medical attention, our Humane Officers will often seize the animal, provide veterinary treatment, and file animal cruelty charges.
What is Considered "Animal Cruelty"?
Under Pennsylvania Law, cruelty to animals includes:
Princess was a victim of abuse.
- Neglect including failure to provide food, water, clean and sanitary shelter offering protection from weather, and necessary veterinary care.
- Abuse including intentionally, knowingly or recklessly mistreating, beating, torturing, or abandoning or abusing an animal.
- Tethering an unattended dog in excess of nine hours in a 24-hour period. The tether must be the appropriate length (as outlined in PA Law), secured to a collar or harness by means of a mechanism designed to prevent entanglement. The dog must have access to food, water, and shade or shelter from the weather. Additionally, a dog may not be tethered for longer than 30 minutes in temperatures above 90 or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transporting animals in a cruel manner.
- Animal mutilation and related offenses.
- Animal fighting including causing or allowing an animal to engage in animal fighting, receiving compensation for admission to or hosting an animal fight, owning, training, promoting, or knowingly selling an animal for animal fighting, attending and wagering on the outcome of an animal fight.
- Possession of animal fighting paraphernalia.
Advocating for Animal Welfare
Rebel post-surgery and feeling great!
Rebel at intake.
The Erie Humane Society has operated a Humane Law Enforcement unit since 1987 and has one of the longest, most consistent histories of animal law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The principles of our mission and the dedication to the duties they are entrusted with, propel our humane officers to protect animal victims from abuse and neglect.
Through our long history of working with and assisting other entities, we also enjoy strong professional, working relationships in the community.
Humane Law Enforcement
Our humane officers are trained by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Bureau of Dog Law, and cover 800 square miles of Erie County. They are sworn in by the Erie County Courts, employed and supervised by the Erie Humane Society, and work closely with state and local law enforcement units, local animal enforcement agencies, the county court system, local governments, and the Office of the District Attorney.
The EHS Humane Officers enforce the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Cruelty Law. This body of law governs and protects against the negligent, abusive, or cruel treatment of domesticated animals, including farm stock and horses.
Rehabilitating the Victims
Dale was severely malnourished but made a full recovery.
The victims of abuse and neglect often require a tremendous amount of care before they are ready to find their forever home. While in our care, the EHS staff works diligently to rehabilitate the whole pet; not only treating medical needs, but also helping them overcome emotional hurdles, build confidence, and ultimately prepare them to be welcomed into a loving family.
The Erie Humane Society has a strong network of support to help provide pets advanced, life-saving medical care through our outpatient medical fund. Whether a pet is suffering from emaciation, broken limbs, illness or infection, or coming from horrific living conditions such as hoarding, puppy mills, or dog-fighting, we are committed to giving each pet every opportunity to thrive.
Preventing Animal Cruelty
The ultimate goal for all who advocate for animals is preventing animal cruelty from happening in the first place.
Our officers are happy to discuss any concerns, provide resources, and answer any questions you may have. If you are unsure whether something you've witnessed qualifies as animal cruelty, we encourage you to reach out to our Humane Law Enforcement team by calling 814-835-8360.
