Animal Cruelty + Neglect


LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL 24/7

614.777.7387


FRANKLIN COUNTY DOG SHELTER: STRAY DOGS

614.525.3400

 
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It’s one of the most challenging aspects of our work. And one that gives us a unique perspective. Every time we answer a call to investigate a potential case of cruelty or neglect, we never know what we’ll find. But we do know that whatever we find, every animal deserves nothing less than a heroic effort.

NUMBERS DON’T LIE

1,100+

ANIMALS SEIZED
ANNUALLY

90%+

CONVICTION
RATE

365

DAYS A YEAR WORKING
IN THE COMMUNITY

6,000

VISITS INVESTIGATING
ABUSE ANNUALLY

HOW TO RECOGNIZE ANIMAL CRUELTY

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How do I know if an animal is being neglected, abandoned, or used for fighting? It is not always easy to know. In some instances, it could be abundantly clear, while in others you may only see signs over a period of time. Here are some warning signs that something could be amiss:

 
 

• Extremely thin, starving animals

• Wounds on the body

• Patches of missing hair or severely matted hair

• Limping

• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food, water or shelter, often chained or locked up in a yard

• Animals that have been abandoned by their owner

• An owner striking, or otherwise physically abusing an animal

• Tick or flea infestations. Flystrike - open wounds on ears and/or nose caused by biting flies

• Animals with an injury or illness who have not received medical care

• Embedded collars/chains around the neck

• Intentionally fighting animals

 

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A DOMESTIC ANIMAL IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, PLEASE CALL

614.777.7387

 

If you see something, say something! Animals in our community rely on all of us to ensure that they are not abandoned, neglected or mistreated.

Our Cruelty Investigations Department makes 6,000 visits a year to investigate these reports 365 days a year. Columbus Humane is the lead law enforcement agency in Franklin County for investigating cases of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect as well as organized animal fighting. Reports are received from concerned citizens, social services, health departments and other law enforcement agencies. We maintain an over 90% conviction rate in the Franklin County Environmental Court.

WHAT DO I NEED TO FILE A REPORT?
Make sure you have the address of the incident you would like to report and as many details as possible. Pictures and video are helpful. Once you make a report online or by phone, one of our agents will follow-up with you if one is not available when you make your initial report. If the troubling behavior continues, please continue to file reports. We appreciate your patience as we work to enforce the law while also abiding by it.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FIND A STRAY DOG?
Under state law, Franklin County Animal Care & Control enforces stray dogs or dogs running loose. Please call (614) 525-3400 to make a report.

 

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ADOPTION CENTER (NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED)
Monday - Friday 2pm - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 12pm - 5pm

ANIMAL SUPPORT CENTER
Appointments are available from 11am-6pm M-F and 9am-4pm Sat-Sun. Same day appointments may be available. The entrance to the Animal Support Center is located at the side of the building. Call (614) 777 - 7387 for an appointment.

GENERAL CONTACT

Phone (614) 777 - 7387
Fax (614) 777 - 8449
questions@columbushumane.org
3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard, OH 43026