Animal Cruelty

What to Do if You See or Suspect Cruelty

Cruelty to animals is a serious matter! In addition to moral concerns, there is a disturbing link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans.  Animal Cruelty can take many forms including an aggressive act such as beating a dog or a passive act like starving a horse. 

In the case of cruelty or abuse, the appropriate animal services, animal control, or law enforcement agency should be called. In Fayetteville, contact Fayetteville Animal Services at (479)444-3456. Many cities have their own animal services or animal control. Washington County has animal control officers who can be reached through the sheriff's office at (479)444-5700.

It is important to note that Animal Services Officers are often unable to take action unless they actually witness the cruelty or abuse. If it is something that an individual has seen, that individual must be willing to file cooperate with the investigation which includes giving his/her name and address as complainant. Fayetteville Animal Services will not give out the names of complainants, but an accused abuser may get the name of the accuser by filing under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.  Frequently the difference in a succesfull prosecution of an animal crime and not is going to be the participation of witnesses.