Animal cruelty and neglect occur when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Some of the signs of cruelty and neglect include the following:
- Tick or flea infestations
- Wounds on the body
- Patches of hair missing
- An extremely thin or starving animal
- An owner striking or otherwise abusing an animal
- Pets with medical conditions/injuries and have not been taken to a vet
- Pets outside without shelter in extreme conditions
- Large numbers of animals living in unsanitary conditions
- Dogs repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained
- An animal left unattended in a vehicle
We’ve compiled a glossary of terms related to animal cruelty.
If you observe an animal that you believe is not receiving proper care, please contact the HBSPCA Protection Team between 9am – 5pm at (905) 574-7722 ext. 401 or email investigations@hbspca.com .
For after-hours emergency calls please contact: 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
