in degree and severity of results, but any kind of animal abuse is illegal. It is important to remember that physical abuse of an animal may be an indicator that spousal, child or elder abuse is occurring in the home and vice versa. What to do 1. If you observe the beating when you arrive, consider entering the property because a crime is being committed in your presence and exigent circumstances exist (see the Key concepts discussion in the Be prepared section). Once the suspect is arrested/in custody: a. Find out if others are present (e.g. spouse/children) and ensure their safety. Conduct interviews to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. Notify the child protective agency, if necessary. b. Seize the animal for evidence and medical treatment. Request the animal control officer or humane agency to transport the animal to a veterinarian for examination and treatment. c. Obtain a signed statement from the veterinarian as to the condition of the animal. d. Take photographs of the animal and all the on-site physical evidence (such as a bloody bat or post) for evidentiary purposes. 2. If you do not see the dog or the person who was reportedly beating the animal when you arrive, consider doing the following: a. Obtain sworn statements from any witnesses or neighbors who may have witnessed the beating. b. Find the person who was reportedly doing the beating, and examine the animal. 3. If the person does not allow you to see the animal but you have a signed statement from a witness and/or you have seen some evidence that makes you believe the animal has been beaten, you can obtain a search warrant to seize the animal. Under these circumstances, you 26 The Humane Society of the United States should either call for a telephonic warrant (which requires that you later present the magistrate with a written application), or call another officer to remain at the scene while you obtain the search warrant. This is necessary so that the suspect does not have an opportunity to dispose of the animal or other crucial evidence. NOTE: Consult with your local DA on the requirements for telephonic and electronic warrants. a. If you execute the search warrant and determine that the animal has been beaten, call the animal control agency or local humane organization and arrange to have them transport the animal to a veterinarian for examination and treatment. b. Find out if others are present (e.g. spouse/children) and ensure their safety. Conduct interviews to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. Notify the child protective agency, if necessary. c. Take photographs of the animal at the scene and/or at the veterinarian’s office. Obtain a signed statement from the veterinarian indicating that the animal has been beaten and detailing the animal’s condition. d. File the appropriate charges against the person responsible. Scenario 5: Abandonment You might receive a call from a concerned neighbor or landlord who says that people have moved away and left an animal inside a home or yard. These complaints sometimes occur in vacation/ resort areas at the end of the tourist season, but animal abandonments are an increasingly common occurrence in communities where job losses, transfers and home foreclosures are a factor. Rather than taking time to find Common complaints
20028HS
To see the actual publication please follow the link above