Humane Law Enforcement
Report Animal Emergency
If you are reporting an in-progress animal emergency, call us immediately at 619-299-7012
or visit this page for more detailed information.
Otherwise, you may use the online or PDF forms below
to report a case of animal cruelty or neglect.
Report Animal Cruelty
To report a case of animal cruelty or neglect,
please call 619-299-7012
or you may also fill out this online Animal Cruelty Form.
Alternatively, You may mail in
or drop off a hard copy of the PDF Animal Cruelty Form.
Both versions of this form may be submitted anonymously.
Please note: Animal cruelty investigations do not include barking dogs, loud cats or loose animals.
Dog Bite Report
For expediency regarding your dog bite report, please fill out and submit the online form below before calling.
You may also download the PDF version of the Bite Report Form here
Barking Dog Complaints
For expediency regarding barking dog complaints, you may fill out and submit the form below or call 619-299-7012, ext. 2617.
Animal complaints (strays, off-leash, etc.) for the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista are handled by San Diego Humane Society.
If you are a resident outside of these cities and 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.
Leash Laws
Keeping dogs on leash when in public not only protects other animals and people, but it keeps them safe as well. It is illegal to walk your dog off leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area.
The law specifies that:Even if you are confident your dog will stay by your side without a leash, it could still make other dogs uncomfortable and put your dog in danger. Leash laws are in place to ensure the safety of both dogs and the people who love them.
California Animal Laws
If you aren’t sure what’s legal and what’s illegal when it comes to the treatment of animals, see this page at Michigan State University College of Law.
About San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement
On June 9, 1880, San Diego Humane Society officers levied the first fine against animal cruelty to “Mr. Collins’ boy for overriding a colt.” Since that day, our officers have been dedicated to enforcing animal cruelty and neglect laws so that all animals are treated with the respect they deserve.
San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement 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. Humane Officers are appointed by the State and undergo substantial training in animal care, state humane laws and continue education throughout their careers.
Not only can San Diego Humane Society Officers issue citations, make arrests, file criminal charges and serve warrants, they also respond and rescue animals in disaster situations in San Diego and surrounding areas with the assistance of the Humane Society’s 24-hour volunteer-operated Emergency Response Team. Officers and ERT members provide emergency assistance to animals near and far and work with our Community Engagement department speaking to children throughout San Diego County.
Information and Resources
Emergency Response Team
A group of highly-trained volunteers dedicated to assisting people during disasters by safely evacuating horses, livestock, and household pets. Learn More
Humane Academy
Learn how you can train to become a Humane Officer. Learn More
Spot Abuse
For more information about animal cruelty and its link to other forms of violence, visit spotabuse.org or nationallinkcoalition.org.
