Suspected Animal Neglect or Abuse:
The Oswego County Humane Society does not have the authority to investigate possible crimes of animal abuse and neglect. Concerned citizens are directed to call the non-emergency phone line of their most local authority.
Authorities may include:
Local City Police (City of Oswego, City of Fulton, Village of Phoenix, Village of Central Square,etc.)
Oswego County Sheriffs Office
NYS State Troopers
For crimes in progress, please call 911!
What information to provide:
When reporting, give as many details as you can: describe the perpetrator, what you observed, and how many times you observed it; provide dates and approximate times if possible, as well as the address where the alleged cruelty or neglect took place. Pictures and video evidence are also helpful if you can safely and legally obtain them.
Don’t worry if you can’t “prove your case.” The job of law enforcement is to investigate suspicious activity. Your report, even if lacking some details, can still be useful evidence to help law enforcement determine the facts and any need for further action.
Keep a record of what information you reported, along with the date you reported it, and the officer or official to whom you spoke. Check back after a reasonable amount of time. If you don’t get a satisfactory response, contact them again.
You can report anonymously.
You can report suspected animal cruelty or neglect anonymously. That said, a successful outcome is more likely to occur if you’re willing to give your name and, if needed, testimony. Law enforcement often is understaffed and underfunded. A case is more likely to be pursued if the person reporting gives their name and indicates a willingness to help, including by testifying. If you do ask to remain anonymous, law enforcement will do everything possible to protect your identity.
In the event an animal is removed from a situation, police will contact local organizations directly for collaboration.
(https://www.nycbar.org/reports/a-guide-to-reporting-suspected-animal-cruelty-or-neglect-in-new-york-state/#:~:text=For%20crimes%20in%20progress%20or,Call%20311)
