Report Abuse
Call or email us right away if you observe pets or horses that appear neglected or are subjected to cruel treatment. You are our eyes and ears; we rely on you!
For animals in the eight-county metro Denver area, call (303) 923-0022 or click here to file an online report.
For animals anywhere else in the state, call the animal cruelty hotline of The Colorado Humane Society & SPCA. The number is 1-800-249-5121.
All reports are kept confidential.
What to report
Typical offenses include pets left outside without adequate shelter, food or water. But other problems also need our attention. A pet or a horse that appears ill or injured, a pet with a badly matted coat, an animal (including wildlife) that has been intentionally harmed—all of these situations warrant a closer look by our animal welfare investigators. Reports are kept confidential.
Most reports are resolved by educating owners; however, when necessary, we can issue summonses and take a case to court. Our investigators are state-commissioned peace officers who are relentless pursuers of justice on behalf of abused or neglected animals.
Why report animal abuse?
Even if you aren’t an animal lover, please report animal cruelty. It has far-reaching implications for our society. Studies show that people who intentionally harm animals are also likely to commit violent crimes toward people. So, by taking the time to report what you observe, you’ll not only be helping the animals involved, you’ll be helping to prevent future crimes and promoting respect for all life.
Other ways you can help
- You can protect animals and people by setting an example. Demonstrate to others the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.
- Encourage pet owners and horse owners you know to take advantage of the resources on our website. Click here for information about animal behavior and appropriate care.
- Ask us to visit your school or civic group and provide a free humane education presentation. To schedule a visit, please call (720) 241-7132.
It's the law
State of Colorado: Animal Protection Act
18-9-202 Cruelty to animals—neglect of animals—offenses
(1) A person commits cruelty to animals if he knowingly or with criminal negligence overdrives, overloads, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beats, needlessly mutilates, needlessly kills, carries or confines in or upon any vehicles in a cruel or reckless manner, or otherwise mistreats or neglects any animal, or causes or procures it to be done, or, having the charge or custody of an animal, fails to provide it with proper food, drink, or protection from the weather, or abandons it.
(b) Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.
(1.5) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly torments, tortures, or kills an animal.
(2) (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2), cruelty to animals is a class 1 misdemeanor.
(a.5) (I) (A) In addition to the sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection (2), any person convicted of committing cruelty to animals pursuant to subsection (1) of this section or aggravated cruelty
b) (I) A second or subsequent conviction under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) is a class 6 felony. A plea of nolo contendere accepted by the court shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this section.
(c) Aggravated cruelty to animals is a class 6 felony; except that a second or subsequent conviction for the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals is a class 5 felony. A plea of nolo contendere accepted by the court shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this section.