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Cruelty/Rescue

All animals are covered under the Cruelty Laws that are enforced by the Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA, Inc.  Trained SPCA Officers investigate complaints of cruelty, neglect and abandonment.

If you suspect animal abuse, you should observe and gather as much information as possible, and try to write it down.  All complaints made are kept confidential and complaints may be made anonymously, but this may delay the investigation. 

Please click here for a list of area animal welfare agencies and dog control contracts.

Please have as much of the following information as possible when you call:

  • Name of the offender, if known
  • Exact address where the animal is being kept, or good directions including nearest crossroad, township, etc.
  • The area where the animal is being kept (for example, rear yard, cellar, shed, etc.)
  • A description of the animal(s) (breed, color, age, sex)
  • Dates and times
  • The nature of the abuse
  • License plate number (if automobile is involved), description of the driver and/or passenger(s).
  • All details

What Constitutes Animal Cruelty?

Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty.

The following guidelines will help you recognize cruelty:

  • All animals require shelter from the rain, snow, wind and sun.  Shelter is any structure that is of adequate size for the breed, size of the animals that will keep the animal out of the elements.
  • All animals require necessary veterinary care.  Necessary veterinary care is that which is required to treat illness or injuries.  This would also include grooming issues, i.e. matted hair, long nails, etc.
  • All animals require living conditions that are free of debris, and waste should be removed routinely.
  • All animals require necessary drink and sustenance.  Water and food should be provided in amounts sufficient to maintain weight and hydration. 
  • No animal can be abandoned.  This means left in a residence, thrown from a vehicle, or turned loose.  If a person hits a cat or dog with a car, law obligates them to report it to the owner, the police, or the SPCA. 
  • No animal, wild or tame, shall be unjustifiably killed, injured or beaten.

The above information is only a guide.  If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place, do not hesitate to call and discuss the situation with us for guidance.

If you know of, or suspect animal cruelty of any kind, call:
Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA, Inc.
Phone: 607-732-1827

When the shelter is closed, our recorded message will direct you to the sheriff, who will contact our on-call officer for emergencies.  All caller information is kept in strict confidence.

By getting involved, you can make a difference.