What to do when you see animal cruelty, neglect, or mistreatment:
1. Gather as much information as you can about the situation. Take down addresses, names, license plate numbers...any information that would help law enforcement to find individuals involved. Often times it may take law enforcement a long time to get to the location of the complaint. The more information you can get about an incident, the easier it is for law enforcement to investigate. It is ideal to take pictures or video of the situation. It is important, however, to make sure that you do not enter private property to obtain these photos or other information.
2. Call local law enforcement. Make sure that you are specific in your complaint when you call. Give times, dates, and details of the conditions you have observed. Some areas have animal control numbers to call. Check the list to the right to see if you are in an area with a specific animal control number. If you do not have animal control in your area, call the local police department to lodge your complaint. If you need assistance, call or e-mail Furry Friends Refuge.
3. Follow up with the condition of the animal. Many times law enforcement may be unable to act on the first instance they observe. However, if conditions that continue to be substandard may eventually rise to the level of a violation of the law.
4. Familiarize yourself with applicable animal cruelty laws. Most animal cruelty laws are created by the state government. Review Iowa's animal cruelty laws to the right.
Animal Control phone numbers
Des Moines 283-4811
Johnston 278-2345
West Des Moines/
Urbandale 222-3321
Polk City 984-9280
Windsor Heights
279-3362 (after hours call 286-3333)
Altoona 967-4281
(after hours 286-3333)
Ames 239-5530
Mitchellville 967-9289
ALL OTHER AREAS IN POLK CO 286-3333
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa will not pick up animals
State of Iowa Animal Cruelty Laws
