In California, it is illegal to:

• Tether a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours.
  
  
• Leave pets unattended in vehicles in extreme weather or without food and water for extended periods of time.
  
  
• Maliciously and intentionally maim, mutilate, beat, torture, torment, wound, or kill an animal or overdrive, overload, or overwork animals.
  
  
• Deprive animals of necessary sustenance, access to water, shelter, veterinarian care, and adequate exercise.
  
  
• Poison animals belonging to another person.
  
  
• Abandon an animal.
  
  
• Fail to provide proper care for animals in pet shops.
  
  
• Cruelly transport animals in a vehicle.

If you see or encounter instances of animal abuse, contact the Animal Shelter at (916) 368-7387 to report the instance. Please get as much information as possible to report to the dispatcher.

Be a "Critter Tipper"
Report potential animal abuse or neglect in your community and you could be eligible for a cash reward through the "Critter Tip" program. Learn how to report a potential animal abuse/neglect case through Critter Tip.

Reporting cock-fighting
There are several major issues sssociated with illegal cock-fighting events, including property destruction, gambling, drug dealing and animal cruelty among others. It is important to report cock-fighting activities so County officials can investigate these cases. Learn more about cock-fighting...