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Report Cruelty
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Reporters must provide their first and last name and contact information in order for our agents to investigate. If you choose to remain anonymous you may indicate so during your report. Due to the confidential nature of our investigations, you will not receive any information regarding the results of any investigation.
Our Humane Agent is best able to perform their duties when provided with detailed descriptions of suspected cruelty and neglect situations:
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An overview and description of the incident or incidents of witnessed or suspected behavior
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A description, type, number and general condition of animals involved (matted or dirty fur, boney, etc.)
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Date, time, and address or near address/crossroads of where the incident occurred
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Any identifying information on the person(s) involved with incident
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Any noticeable access to food, water, and weather appropriate shelter
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As many details as you can provide
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Per Ohio Revised Code, there are two categories of cruelty and neglect: intentional and unintentional (neglect). Intentional cruelty is when a person or persons purposely/knowingly inflicts physical harm on an animal or animals, such as beating or torturing.
Neglect is the failure to provide an animal or animals with the necessities of care, such as access to clean/fresh water, food, shelter from hot and cold weather, veterinary care, and a clean-living environment. In instances of neglect, unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused, permitted, or allowed to continue, when there is a reasonable remedy or relief for the animal(s).
Our Humane Agent is duly appointed law enforcement officers whose role is to enforce Ohio laws (ORC 959) pertaining to animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment within Wood County. This position is generously funded, in part, by the Wood County Commissioners.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I remain anonymous when I file a complaint about animal cruelty?
If we have further questions about the complaint you submit (such as a more precise location of where the cruelty/neglect/abandonment is occurring) and we cannot get a hold of you, the animal(s) may suffer longer. Please be assured that complainant information is not readily released by our Humane Agents, and every measure will be taken to ensure confidentiality.
Will I be notified or updated about the status of the complaint I filed?
We employ one agent for all of Wood County and receive hundreds of calls annually, so in most cases, no, you will not receive updates about the status of your call. Our agent responds to all complaints filed with our organization, and we are a private entity, meaning we do not process public records requests like a government agency. You may email our agent and ask for updates, but please understand that just as we keep your information confidential from the animal owner, case information may be kept confidential from you. Most calls we receive end up in owner education for better care of the animals, or unfounded (meaning no laws are being broken).