San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
Adopt me

Donate your vehicle for the animals

Programs & Services

InvestigationsBadge

The San Diego Humane Society is dedicated to protecting animals throughout San Diego County, either by enforcing animal cruelty and neglect laws so that all animals are treated with respect or by placing them in appropriate homes.

The San Diego Humane Society's Investigation Department has officers in the field seven days a week, handling a variety of animal cruelty complaints. Humane Officers get their enforcement powers from the California Corporations Code 14502, and can exercise the powers of a peace officer while investigating animal-related crimes.

While our primary focus is educating owners about proper care for their animals, we will use all the authority that we have been given to ensure every animal receives care as set forth by the law. Animal cruelty encompasses behavior harmful to animals ranging from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by Humane Officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care; or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

Animal cruelty investigations do not include barking dogs, loud cats, or loose animals. If you have a concern with a loud animal, call your local police agency or code compliance department. If you see a loose or vicious animal, or an injured animal on the side of the road, call your local animal control.

Our Humane Officers also respond to rescue animals from disasters in San Diego and other areas with the assistance of the Humane Society’s 24-hour volunteer operated Animal Rescue Reserve.

On average we respond to over 1500 reports of animal cruelty annually. Our Humane Officers continue to work daily to promote humane law enforcement to the public, and the animals we serve.

Humane Academy Learn how you can train to become a Humane Officer.

California Animal Laws: If you aren't sure what's legal and what's illegal when it comes to the treatment of animals.

Report Animal Cruelty: Call us 619.243.3466 or use our online complaint form to report a case of animal cruelty or neglect. You can send the report anonymously, if you wish.

 

User - sign up
Already registered?
Log in >>

dog tag ~ heart

dog tag ~ hydrant

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon