Reporting Animal Cruelty
Animal neglect and abuse is everyone’s business. Just like young children, animals can’t get themselves out of an abusive situation to seek help. YOU need to be their voice. YOU need to speak for them.
ALL animals in New Jersey—domestic, wild, “farmed,” or otherwise—are protected under the law. To familiarize yourself with the Animal Cruelty statutes in New Jersey, please click here.
If you see or hear of animal abuse or neglect, your first step is to call your local police. They have a designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) charged with investigating animal abuse. Ask to speak to the HLEO.
If you do not get results, the chain of command you should follow is to next call the chief of police and if necessary, then your county prosecutor’s office which also has a designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer. Ask to speak to that person and let them know that the system is not working!