Animal Abuse & Neglect
What to Do If You Suspect Animal Cruelty or Animal Hoarding in Miami
Animal cruelty is a serious crime that affects countless animals every year. Homeless cats in Miami have been shot at, poisoned, or otherwise abused in many ways.
If you suspect any animal is being mistreated, it is crucial to take action. Here's a guide on the steps you can take:
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To Stop Animal Abuse
Document the Evidence
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Take photos or videos: If possible, capture images or videos of the animal and its surroundings. This evidence will be invaluable if you need to report the incident.
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Note details: Write down specific information about the animal, its condition, and the circumstances. Include dates, times, and locations.
Report the Abuse
For immediate emergencies involving animal cruelty, dial 911.
For non-emergency situations, you can report animal abuse, hoarding or neglect in several ways:
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Online: Visit the Miami-Dade County website to submit a report online.
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Phone: Call 311 or 305-468-5900.
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TTY: For individuals with hearing or speech disabilities, contact Florida Relay at 711.
When making a report, please provide as much detail as possible, including:
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Location
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Description of the abuse
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Description of the animal
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Any photos or videos
You may consider remaining anonymous if you have safety concerns.
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To Report Dogs Tied Up
Tethering a dog for extended periods without supervision is considered animal cruelty and can lead to physical and psychological harm.
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If the dog is tied up without access to food, water, or shelter, or is exposed to harsh weather conditions, call non-emergency police at 305-476-5423.
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For other concerns about a dog that is frequently tied up alone, contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 311 or 305-468-5900.
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To Help With Animal Hoarding
At times, well-intentioned individuals may accumulate more animals than they can properly care for, creating an animal hoarding situation that is not healthy for the animals. If you suspect an animal hoarding situation in Miami-Dade County, seek assistance from local animal welfare or rescue organizations for support. They may have resources or expertise to help address the situation.
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