Alabama Animal Advocates

How to Report Animal Cruelty

Dog alone in desolate setting.

If a person or animal is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, follow these steps to report animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect in Alabama:

  1. Locate: Note the exact location (street address, cross streets, landmarks) and details about the animal’s location on the property. Determine which agency has jurisdiction.
  2. Learn the applicable cruelty laws.
  3. Collect evidence.
  4. Report the suspected cruelty, abuse, or neglect as directed. Note the name and telephone number of the person you speak to.
  5. Follow up on your report to check the status: see if more information is needed and determine if anything can be done about the suspected violation.
  6. Commit: You may be asked for more information or to testify in court. If the violation is important enough to report, see it through.

If you decide to press charges (also called “swearing out a warrant” or making a complaint), ask the court magistrate or clerk for guidance and read Complaints before continuing. This is the general process:

  1. Pick up the Incident Report from the law enforcement agency to which you reported. Ensure that the Incident Report is complete.
  2. Press charges: Bring the Incident Report and your evidence to the appropriate courthouse (county or municipal) during magistrate hours to write a statement and speak with a magistrate. If there is sufficient cause to charge the accused person, the case will move forward.

Procedures and responses vary from agency to agency and officer to officer. If would like to share your experience or if you have questions, please contact us. See the FAQ for additional information.