animal cruelty investigations

The Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania has operated a cruelty investigations unit for over 25 years and has one of the longest and most consistent histories of animal law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The HSNWPA employs two full-time cruelty investigators. These officers are trained by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Bureau of Dog Law. These officers are sworn by the Erie County Courts, employed and supervised by the Humane Society, and work closely with state and local law enforcement units, local animal enforcement agencies, the county court system, local governments and the Office of the District Attorney. Through our long history of working with and assisting other entities, we enjoy strong professional working relationships in the community.

The Humane Society Cruelty Investigators enforce the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Cruelty Law, the body of law that governs and protects against the negligent, abusive or cruel treatment of domesticated animals, including farm stock and horses.

If you see or witness an act of cruelty against an animal, call our Hotline at
(814) 835-8360. All complaints are held in strict confidence and all callers are anonymous.

Laws of Pennsylvania Relating to the Protection of Animals From Cruelty

Laws Protecting Animals From Cruelty
Title 18 – Pennsylvania Crimes Code

PENALTIES
A summary offense is one that calls for imprisonment for not more than 90 days. A misdemeanor of the second degree calls for imprisonment of not more than two years. The maximum fine for a summary offense is $750.00 and the maximum fine for a misdemeanor of the second degree is $5,000.00

SECTION 5511. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
(c) CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.- A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or curelly ill-treats, overloads, beats or otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry, or keeps or uses or in any way is connected with, or interested in the management of, or receives money for the admission of any person to any place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting any bull, bear, dog, cock or other creature, or encourages, aids or assists therin, or permits or suffers any place to be so kept or used.

animal cruelty investigations

If you see or witness an act of cruelty against an animal, call our Hotline at (814) 835-8360. All complaints are held in strict confidence and all callers are anonymous.

Laws of Pennsylvania Relating to the Protection of Animals From Cruelty

Laws Protecting Animals From Cruelty Title 18 – Pennsylvania Crimes Code

PENALTIES A summary offense is one that calls for imprisonment for not more than 90 days. A misdemeanor of the second degree calls for imprisonment of not more than two years. The maximum fine for a summary offense is $750.00 and the maximum fine for a misdemeanor of the second degree is $5,000.00

If you see or witness an act of cruelty against an animal, call our Hotline at
(814) 835-8360. All complaints are held in strict confidence and all callers are anonymous.

Laws Protecting Animals From Cruelty
Title 18 – Pennsylvania Crimes Code

PENALTIES
A summary offense is one that calls for imprisonment for not more than 90 days. A misdemeanor of the second degree calls for imprisonment of not more than two years. The maximum fine for a summary offense is $750.00 and the maximum fine for a misdemeanor of the second degree is $5,000.00