Animals’ Conditions/Circumstances Non-exigent Circumstances - when an animal does not appear to be in extreme pain or in imminent danger of losing its life When you arrive at the scene- distinguish severe neglect and exigent circumstances Examples of Severe Neglect (may or may not qualify as exigent circumstances): The animal: Is very thin and unable to rise or stand Constantly scratches itself or rubs against walls (possibly from mange or lice) Has numerous sores on its body Limps Lives in filthy, squalid conditions Is exposed to the hot sun (a pig without shelter in the hot sun could die) Confronting the Owner: Possible Reactions Owner is cooperative and might want to surrender the animal Obtain a written release form Enlist aid of local animal control or humane society is cooperative but doesn’t want to surrender the animal Provide owner with list of requirements that must be completed within a specified time When investigator returns within the specified time and the owner is not in compliance, the owner will be considered in violation of the law and may be charged or arrested Owner is uncooperative and investigator is allowed access to the animal Document any statements owner makes
Animals’ Conditions/Circumstances Non-exigent Circumstances - when an animal does not appear to be in extreme pain or in imminent danger of losing its life When you arrive at the scene- distinguish severe neglect and exigent circumstances Examples of Severe Neglect (may or may not qualify as exigent circumstances): The animal: Is very thin and unable to rise or stand Constantly scratches itself or rubs against walls (possibly from mange or lice) Has numerous sores on its body Limps Lives in filthy, squalid conditions Is exposed to the hot sun (a pig without shelter in the hot sun could die) Confronting the Owner: Possible Reactions Owner is cooperative and might want to surrender the animal Obtain a written release form Enlist aid of local animal control or humane society is cooperative but doesn’t want to surrender the animal Provide owner with list of requirements that must be completed within a specified time When investigator returns within the specified time and the owner is not in compliance, the owner will be considered in violation of the law and may be charged or arrested Owner is uncooperative and investigator is allowed access to the animal Document any statements owner makes
Investigating-Animal-Cruelty-Outline-2.docx