Why Report Animal Abuse or Neglect
When you report animal abuse or neglect, you are also promoting respect for all life. Humane care for animals improves the quality of life for everyone in Mesa County.
What Constitutes Neglect
Every animal must be provided with water, food, protection from the elements, or other care generally considered to be normal, usual and accepted for an animal's health and well-being consistent with the species, breed and type of animal.
What to Report
In order to start an investigation, we need the following information:
● A physical address of where the animal can be seen
● The animal(s) description
● What you have seen that causes you concern for the animal's health and welfare.How to Make a Report
If you do not provide us with contact information, this report will remain anonymous. However, without a way to contact you we will be unable to clarify any questions we might have during our investigation. If you see an animal that you feel might not be receiving care that meets these guidelines, please phone us at (970) 242-4646, click here to e-mail us or print the incident report (click here to open file) and mail it to us at the address on the top of the report.
The steps that are taken once a report is filed
Based on the information you provide, our officers will go out and observe the animal and the situation. The officer will determine whether or not the animal is in immediate danger. Fortunately, less than 5% of welfare checks result in citations. Ninety-five percent of our calls are handled through education, veterinary care or are determined to be unfounded.
Yes, there are happy endings and you can make a difference
The black and white picture to the bottom left is of a very special dog named Sgt. Pepper. A report of his condition by a caring citizen resulted in an investigation, citations and a new home with a loving family. The picture of Sgt. Pepper a year later (bottom right), tells a different story of a happy, healthy and beloved pet.
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