FAQ

Reporting a Crime or Violation

Can I report anonymously? Officers are trained to protect the identity of the person who reported the situation, such as by stating only that they “received a report.” However, if the accused is your neighbor, and especially if there is a history of conflict, he is likely to suspect who called. Keep this in mind if you fear retaliation.

Is there a cost involved? No, there is no cost for reporting or for pressing charges.

What should I check for on the Incident Report? When you pick up the Incident Report, ensure that the law enforcement agency has included the accused person’s name, address, and either date or birth or social security number. If any information is missing, insist that it be added. (It is not your responsibility nor are you able, as a private citizen, to access the private information of another person, and the magistrate’s office may not allow you to press charges if information is missing.) Also, if you are reporting cruelty, it can be advantageous for the report to list all applicable charges.

For information and FAQs on pressing charges, see Complaints.

Witnessing Cruelty, Abuse, or Neglect

How can I avoid breaking laws while helping an animal? Never enter another person’s property without permission; you may be criminally charged with trespassing. Never take an animal belonging to another person. Animals are considered property under the law. If you take an animal belonging to another person, you could be criminally charged with theft. If you then give that animal to another person, that is conversion of property which is also a crime.

What if the animal could die? If you find yourself in an emergency situation where quick action is necessary, call law enforcement authorities immediately and demand help. If you act on your own without the permission of law enforcement authorities, you may be criminally charged even if your actions saved the life of an animal.

How can I bring more attention to a situation? Work together with others. Often a single person cannot change a situation. If you learn about others who share your concerns or who have witnessed the same or similar violations, develop a plan and seek to be heard as a group.

Legal Terms

What is a mental state? Mens rea or “guilty mind” is a legal concept describing the mental state of the person accused of a crime. The four mental states recognized in Alabama law, in order of greatest to least culpability, are intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, and with criminal negligence. The general idea is that a person who intentionally killed an animal, for example, is considered more culpable than if the animal died as a result of the person’s negligence.