PAWS assists Washington residents in identifying and reporting cases of animal cruelty. PAWS has no legal authority to intervene on behalf of abused and neglected animals, but we can provide resources and support to citizens. The following information is intended to aid you in your ability to take initiative to address animal abuse.

• Does the animal have access to regular food, water and shelter?
• Is his/her area clear of feces, broken glass or other objects that may cause illness or harm?
• Does the animal have open wounds or other apparent injuries that have not been treated?
• Does the animal have an illness or other condition that has not been treated (heavy discharge from eyes or nose, rashy or bumpy skin, missing hair, etc)?
• Have you witnessed someone kicking, beating or causing other physical harm to the animal?
• Is the animal's coat extremely matted or nails severely overgrown?
• Does the animal appear to be overly aggressive or timid?
• Remember that animal cruelty can happen to wild animals, as well as domestic, companion animals.

Documentation
Documenting the incident with photographs and videotape can be very helpful in prosecution. If such cruelty is not witnessed directly but is suspected, animal control authorities should be notified. Reports of animal cruelty should be as detailed as possible. Dates, times and circumstances should be noted and related to animal control authorities, who should also be made aware of any physical evidence (photos, video, etc.).

Reporting Cruelty
Even if you are not sure what you are observing is considered animal cruelty or neglect, please report it anyway. An animal control officer will make that determination, and at the very least can provide some education to the person who is caring for the animal.

A person reporting animal cruelty should ask for the name of the animal control officer and ask what action is planned. Follow up, and report any change observed in the animal's condition and situation. A person reporting animal cruelty need not be concerned with confidentiality. An investigating officer is not likely to identify the source of the complaint. Should the keeper of the animal be prosecuted, witnesses may be called to testify, but the immediate condition of the animal should outweigh concerns about having to possibly testify later.

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