- Have the facts, not just your perception of the facts. Reporting something without emotional or inflective wording is much more difficult then you might think, but it makes it much easier to investigate when you leave out your personal viewpoints and opinions. Saying something like, "The dog looks hungry" or "I think the dog is scared of his owner" does not give law enforcement much factual ground to stand on and it could mean that your report does not get looked into as promptly as it should. Factual statements would sound more like "The dog has not been given food or water by his owner for 3 days" and "I can clearly see his skeletal structure from 20 feet away." This will give a clearer image of what the situation really is and how promptly someone needs to address it.
- If there is an animal who is suffering or in need of help, don't assume that someone else has called about it. It is easy to not want to get involved, or fear backlash by a neighbor and simply convince yourself that someone else must have seen it and reported it, but more often then not, no one has reported it, and the animal continues to suffer in silence because everyone has already assumed that someone else has called it in. You might be the first person to make a report, getting the animal the attention it needs to get help, you might even be the tenth to call about it, thus letting the authorities know that this is an animal that is in need. Either way, being silent could mean the animal continues to suffer or worse.
- No matter what your gut, or heart tells you, it is against the law to enter another person's property and take an animal, no matter how much the animal needs help. By doing so, you could actually be endangering yourself and putting yourself in harms way or in danger of legal action. If there is something that needs to be done immediately, it is best to remain on public property and call from near by. It is ok to view an animal from a public sidewalk but you should never climb or enter another persons yard, pasture or property regardless of the situation.
- It may be instinctive to approach a sick or injured animal that is on public property and looks to need your help, but you should be warned that sick and injured animals can react in ways not customary to their general nature. An animal's fight or flight instinct takes over in dire situations and if the animal can not get away it might attempt to defend itself against a possible threat, I.E. You! This applies to stray animals as well. Error on the side of caution, even if it means giving the animal space but staying a safe distance away while you call and report it, so that you can monitor its behavior, actions and assess the situation without causing undue stress on the animal or un needed injury to yourself. Animal Control Officers, Humane Societies and Animal Rescue workers are trained and knowledgeable at handling these situations and should be called immediately to assist the animal.
- If you do take in a sick, injured or stray animal, it is best to call an Animal Agency As Soon As Possible. Many people are great pet owners and can handle many situations but lack the experience and knowledge for caring for this type of situation. Prompt Vet assessment is crucial to injured and ill animals, without knowledge and experience, the animal may suffer or perish because it did not receive the care it needed. A warm blanket in the garage and a bowl of food and water is simply not enough to nurse an animal to health. When in doubt call an Animal Agency right away.
- If you have found a stray animal, the owner may be looking for it by calling local humane societies or dog shelters. How is an animal to be reunited with its owner if you keep it in your home without taking the proper steps? Animal Agencies are equipped with microchip scanners and access to dog licensing records, if ownership can not be found, most often then not these animals are placed up for adoption so that they may find another loving home. If you take in a stray, be warned that you are then responsible for the animals care. I recommend contacting an Animal Agency so they can properly check the dog for identification and offer advice and direction for the animals care and what steps you should make.
Here are some numbers, Websites and information you should have in case any of the above situations occurs.
Remember, it is not a reflection on your abilities or knowledge of animals to need help in a situation or to feel powerless to help an animal in need. Animal Agencies are in place for a reason, and the people who work with emergency animal situations everyday simply have more experience in dealing with a wider range of those situations. That is what we are here for.
To Report Animal Abuse/Neglect/Cruelty in Linn County:
Information coming soon
To Report Animal Abuse/Neglect/Cruelty in Marion County:
If you are witnessing someone abuse an animal or suspect animal abandonment on private property, then call your local law enforcement agencies for immediate help and assistance.
In Salem Call
Salem Police Department 503-588-6123
In Stayton Call
Stayton Police Department 503-769-3423
Willamette Humane Society
503-585-5900
The Humane Society now has Animal cruelty Investigators. They may be able to help you find the proper number or agency to report too.
To Contact an Animal Agency in the event of a sick/injured/stray animal in Linn Benton County:
Linn County Dog Control.
541-967-3925
Reporting lost dog or Found dog. Licensing your dog. Reporting Dog Nuisance *this is NOT the same as reporting animal abuse, reporting a nuisance dog is more about reporting a stray then reporting the criminal activity of animal abuse or neglect*
SafeHaven Humane Society
541-928-2789
SafeHaven does not take strays, contact Linn County dog Control for strays, however, if you are in need of information on how to help an animal, or need to release your own pet, they may be better prepared to offer you advice on what the next step of action may be including more agencies to help you.
Heartland Humane Society
541-757-9000
If you are in Benton County, Heartland can assist you with the finding of a stray and assist with a sick or injured animal found on public property. They offer detailed information on what steps to follow when you find a stray and how to file a found dog report.
To Contact an Animal Agency in the event of a sick/injured/stray animal in Marion County.
Marion County Dog Control and Shelter
For Marion County * EXCLUDING Stayton, Sublimity and Woodburn* Call
503-588-5366
For Stayton and Sublimity Call
503-769-3421
For Woodburn Call
503-982-2345
If you are Reporting a lost or found dog. Licensing your dog. Reporting Dog Nuisance *this is NOT the same as reporting animal abuse, reporting a nuisance dog is more about reporting a stray or a dog at large then reporting the criminal activity of animal abuse or neglect*
Willamette Humane Society
503-585-5900
For help with a sick or injured animal found on public property. To report a Found Dog.
How to Report for Animals
