Humane Law Enforcement
If you see it, report it. You could save a life.
Greater Cayuga SPCA holds the SPCA designation for Cayuga County, authorizing our organization to play a role in addressing animal cruelty under New York State law.
Greater Cayuga SPCA remains committed to working collaboratively with local law enforcement agencies to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. Our role includes supporting these efforts and providing safe housing, care, and veterinary attention for animals that must be held as evidence during legal proceedings.
Working within the Confines of the Law
Officers must work within the confines of the law. Evidence and statements must be collected and presented in court. At times, court cases may take months or years to finalize. Animal cruelty laws often carry fines and/or jail time, but evidence can be difficult to collect without the help of community members advocating for animals in their neighborhoods. This is why Greater Cayuga SPCA team works so diligently to strengthen laws and sentencing for animal cruelty violations.
What Other Types of Offices Service Animals?
Animal Control
Greater Cayuga SPCA of Central New York’s Humane Law Enforcement may sometimes be mistakenly confused with animal control personnel. Animal control personnel are local authorities that are charged with enforcing laws related to the control and impoundment of animals and nuisance wildlife. They are a great resource to call if you spot a stray animal, have difficulties with a neighbor’s pet, or have challenges with wildlife surrounding your property.
Go to your township’s website to find the contact information for Animal Control for your area. Animal Control | Cayuga County, NY
Department of Conservation (DEC)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency. DEC is headed by a commissioner, who is assisted by executive managers. The department has 24 divisions and offices and is further organized into bureaus to fulfill the functions and regulations established by Title 6 of New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR). Some programs are also
DEC’s Central Office is in Albany. Each of DEC’s nine regions has an office that serves the communities within that region. A total of approximately 3,000 DEC staff work in either the Central Office or a regional office.
- DEC Program Directory: Contact Information by Topic – For contacts and descriptions of DEC programs
- DEC Statewide Offices: Contact Information by Location – For DEC’s local offices throughout the state, who can answer questions about local businesses, recreation areas, rules affecting your property, and can investigate reports of local environmental damage
Reporting Cruelty or Neglect
Stop animal cruelty crimes when you see them by contacting:
If it’s an emergency:
Call 911 or contact:
- New York State Police – Auburn: (315) 255-2766
- New York State Police – Wolcott: (315) 594-8071
- Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office: (315) 253-1222
- Auburn Police Department: (315) 253-3231
To file a non-emergency complaint:
Include the following:
- Date(s) of incident
- Your name & contact info (kept confidential)
- Exact address of suspected abuse
- Name of the person (if known)
- Detailed description of the situation
- Any supporting photos or details
We review each report carefully. If more information is needed, we may contact you directly.
What are some examples of neglect?
- A tight collar causing injury
- Untreated wounds or illnesses
- Extremely thin or emaciated animals
- Animal tied up outside without adequate food or water
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Hoarding numerous animals
- Animals left alone in a car during extreme weather
- Injuries, especially to more than one locations on the body or at different stages of healing
- A changing story on how injuries occur
Animal Protection Laws
Most of New York state laws protecting animals are primarily contained in Article 26 of New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law (§ 331 – 379). This also contains other provisions related to the treatment of animals as well as regulations for animal-involved businesses and products derived from animals. Below is a reference guide of the most commonly cited laws protecting animals.
Visit
NYS Open Legislation |
NYSenate.gov for more information.
Animal Fighting Provisions
Prohibits the use of animals for fighting, along with the associated breeding, training, and spectating of fights between animals or an animal and a person. This also prohibits owning or selling fighting paraphernalia such as break sticks and treadmills with the intent to use these objects for training animals to fight.
Confinement of companion animals in vehicles: extreme temperatures
An animal should not be kept in a car during extreme weather conditions without adequate ventilation or airflow that would result in physical danger to the animal. This also gives permission to first responders and humane law officers to remove the animal from unsafe conditions as necessary.
Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals failure to provide proper sustenance
This statute prohibits unjustifiable physical abuse against animals as well as depriving an animal of proper care, food, water, and sustenance, including veterinary care.
Animal Abandonment
An animal is considered abandoned when a person in possession of an animal abandons them without access to continued care, food, or water or leaves the animal in a public place to die.
Aggravated cruelty to animals
A provision of the statute above that includes unjustifiable intent to physically harm or kill an animal. This does not include hunting or defending against an animal attack.
Failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animal
When an animal is confined, they should be provided with food and water.
Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors
Dogs left outdoors must have proper shelter from the weather and other environmental elements.
Help Protect Animals
You can help to improve laws in our state by getting involved. Without the help of strict laws, Greater Cayuga SPCA and other organizations would not be able to prosecute those charged with animal cruelty. By advocating to local government officials, you can show your support for animals in need.
The New York State Animal Protection Federation is a great way to advocate for animal rights NYSAPF – The advocacy voice of NY's animal shelters