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Animal Neglect, Abuse & Cruelty
Spot the Signs, Save an Animal
Animal cruelty often goes unseen and unreported but you can change that. Learn how to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. If something doesn’t look right, speak up. Your actions could save a life.
Learn the 11 Signs of Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty isn’t always obvious. Many animals suffer in silence, behind fences, closed doors, or in plain sight. Knowing the signs can help you recognize when an animal is in trouble.
Poor Body Condition or Visible Trauma:
The animal may have severely matted fur, a dirty coat, open sores, or visible wounds. It may be infested with fleas or ticks, underweight with visible bones, limping, or have trouble walking. Signs can also include congested eyes or ears and general physical distress. These animals need veterinary care right away.
Lack of Food or Water:
No visible sources of food or water. The animal may appear aggressive or lethargic due to hunger or thirst.
Lack of Adequate Shelter:
The animal is kept in an area fully exposed to bad weather or direct sunlight. It may also be left alone in a vehicle during warm or hot weather. In less than 10 minutes, the inside of a car can become deadly, leading to heatstroke, organ damage, or death.
Lack of Sanitation:
The animal’s living space is filled with feces, garbage, or debris.
Abandoned:
The animal has been left behind in an empty home or yard. This is common after a move. Be alert if you hear a dog barking or howling for hours—it may need urgent care.
Animal Is Caged or Tied:
The animal has limited space and may not be able to stand or turn around.
Chains or Padlocks Around the Neck:
Chains, padlocks, or tight collars may be visible, even embedded in the animal’s skin. A chained animal is an abused animal.
Signs of Fighting:
Look for training tools like treadmills or spring poles. More commonly, you may see scars, open wounds, infections, or missing body parts such as ears, eyes, or tails.
Abnormal Behavior:
The animal may be very aggressive or very shy—cowering, hiding, or fear-biting, especially around its owner.
Too Many Animals:
Large numbers of animals on one property can be a sign of hoarding. Take note of their condition.
Violence by the Owner:
You see someone physically harming an animal—hitting, kicking, or abusing it in any way.
How You Can Help Animals in Need
The worst thing you can do if you witness or suspect animal cruelty is nothing.
Be Prepared:
Save the number for your local animal control or shelter’s cruelty reporting line in your phone.
Speak Up / Call 911:
If you witness clear abuse or violence, call your local animal control or 911. Violence toward animals often leads to violence toward people.
Document:
Write down the date, time, location, and details of what you saw. Include the number and type of animals, and the names of anyone else who saw the incident. Take photos or video if it’s safe to do so. Stay at the scene if you can do so safely until help arrives.
Prepare to Testify:
A human witness strengthens any legal case. Reporting anonymously is allowed, but cases are stronger when witnesses are willing to speak up.
To report animal cruelty, please call Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1726.
Report Animal Neglect or Abuse
A positive and interactive relationship between Animal Control, law enforcement and the community is critical to protecting the animal population. Without the assistance of residents who report abuse, most abused animals will likely die or suffer extreme pain in their present conditions. Additionally, those responsible for the abuse may not be sought out.
Contact Animal Control at 252.902.1725
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
After-Hours or Weekends / Non-Emergency
Please call the sheriff's non-emergency line 252.830.4141.
Call 911 for Emergency Situations Involving Dangerous Animals.