Reporting Animal Cruelty or Neglect

Possible warning signs include untreated injuries, severe hunger or thirst, lack of suitable shelter, dangerous living conditions, deliberate violence, animals repeatedly left in extreme heat or cold, or abandonment.

A thin, elderly, frightened or outdoor animal is not automatically evidence of cruelty. Report genuine concerns without making public accusations.

• The exact address or location, including any landmarks.
• The date and time you saw the animal or the incident.
• The number and type of animals involved.
• Any visible injuries or conditions.
• What you personally witnessed, in plain factual words.
• Relevant vehicle details, such as make, colour and registration.

Clearly separate facts you personally witnessed from assumptions or information supplied by somebody else.

In England and Wales, report cruelty or neglect to the RSPCA using its report a concern service. Call 999 if a person is in immediate danger or a serious incident is happening now.

In Scotland, contact the Scottish SPCA. The official Scottish guidance also says to call the police on 101, or 999 if the animal is in immediate danger.

In Northern Ireland, who deals with a concern depends on the animal and the type of concern. Pets and farmed animals, wildlife and animal fighting are handled differently, so use the official nidirect guidance to find the right route. The USPCA also has a cruelty reporting form, and the PSNI deals with animal welfare offences and wildlife crime.

Concerns about farmed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and horses kept on land, may be dealt with by a welfare organisation, the local authority or a government agency depending on where you live.

• In England and Wales, report the concern to the RSPCA, which will advise if another body needs to be involved.
• In Scotland, contact the Scottish SPCA, or the police on 101.
• In Northern Ireland, follow the nidirect guidance for farmed animals.
• Note the field or premises location, the number of animals and what you saw, and do not enter land or handle livestock.

Wildlife offences, such as deliberate harm to protected species, illegal traps, poisoning, badger or bat disturbance and hunting offences, are police matters as well as welfare matters.

• Call 999 if a crime is happening now; otherwise report it to the police.
• For an injured wild animal, contact a veterinary practice or an animal welfare organisation for advice before touching it.
• Do not attempt to catch a deer, bird of prey, seal, fox or badger yourself, as this can be dangerous for you and the animal.

A dog that is dangerously out of control, has attacked a person or another animal, or is causing people to fear injury, should be reported to the police. Local councils also have dog wardens who deal with straying and nuisance dogs.

• Photographs or video should only be taken from a lawful and safe position, such as a public footpath.
• Do not trespass, provoke anyone, enter a dangerous location or delay an urgent report to collect evidence.
• Do not publish allegations, names, addresses or graphic material on social media. This could endanger people, distress others or interfere with an investigation.
• Keep any original photographs, recordings or messages and do not edit them.

• A reporting organisation may not be able to provide detailed updates because of privacy, evidence or an active investigation.
• Reporting a concern does not automatically mean that an animal will be removed. The responsible organisation will decide what action is lawful and necessary.
• Action can include advice to the owner, a welfare improvement notice, veterinary examination, removal of an animal in serious cases, or a prosecution.
• You may be asked for a statement, so keep your own written note of what you saw and when.

The RSPCA reporting service covers England and Wales. Scotland has a separate Scottish SPCA reporting route, while Northern Ireland’s official guidance divides responsibility according to the animal and type of concern.

• RSPCA – Report a concern (opens in a new tab)
• Scottish SPCA – Contact and report a concern (opens in a new tab)
• mygov.scot – Report animal cruelty or neglect (opens in a new tab)
• nidirect – Animal welfare (opens in a new tab)
• USPCA – Report cruelty (opens in a new tab)
• PSNI – Animal welfare and wildlife (opens in a new tab)
• GOV.UK – Report a dangerous or out-of-control dog (opens in a new tab)