Protect & Connect

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Protect & Connect 🐾

Preventing Cruelty
Humane Law Enforcement

The Ontario County Humane Society is the only ASPCA in our area, and we are dedicated to promoting a humane community for people and animals. Our area of service includes 16 towns and 2 cities. Our organization is responsible for enforcing dog control and investigating allegations of cruelty and neglect in those 18 jurisdictions.

As friends and neighbors in our great community, it is our responsibility to speak up for those who cannot. Give a voice to victims of animal cruelty by reporting animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

You can do your part by reporting animal cruelty and contacting your state senators, congressman, and locally elected officials to advocate for stricter laws and punishments for those who abuse and neglect animals. You can see a list of New York State representatives here.

TO REPORT SUSPECTED ANIMAL CRUELTY OR NEGLECT, CONTACT OUR OFFICE: (585) 396-4590
DIAL 911 TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY

During weekday business hours, calls are answered by our dispatch who will ask for your name and contact information. All identifying information is kept completely confidential but necessary in the event more information is required. When making an animal cruelty complaint be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • WHAT is happening. Provide a description of the incident(s). This may include information about the animal’s physical condition and/or an act that was committed against the animal.

  • WHO is committing the offense. A name and description of the person(s), as well as a description of their vehicle with a license plate number, if applicable.

  • WHERE is the incident occurring. Include a specific location, address, cross streets, or other identifying landmarks and/or information.

  • WHEN did the incident occur.

Investigations are then handled according to the severity of the situation. Evidence including photos and/or videos are helpful to our officers. Additional information and evidence can be emailed to our officers below.

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Signs of Animal
Cruelty & Abuse

  • The animal has severe matting and a filthy coat, open sores, untreated skin conditions, or obvious wounds. He appears to be invested with fleas or ticks. He may be underweight or emaciated with bones clearly visible. He might be limping or unable to walk at all. He may have heavy discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose and/or an ongoing illness or injury that is not being treated. He is in obvious physical distress and in need of veterinary care.

  • When you see this animal you notice that she has no obvious sources of food and/or water. Pets should have regular access to water and food.

  • The animal may be wearing a collar, or anything around the neck or body, that may be digging or embedded into the skin causing injury and/or infection.

  • The animal is contained in an area that is largely or fully exposed to inclement weather and/or constant sun. The animal is not provided a place to escape the wind, rain, heat, cold, or other weather conditions.

  • The animal is in a cage or pen that is too small and she is unable to stand fully or turn around completely. She may be chained in such a way that prevents her from reaching shade or protection from the elements. She may not be able to access food and/or water.

  • Feces and/or debris cover the animal’s living area. The living area may smell strongly of ammonia and/or feces.

  • This can be a sign of animal hoarding. Victims of hoarding may not receive adequate food and/or water, medical care, or attention and may be living in squalid conditions. This form of abuse often results in the starvation, disease or illness, and premature death of one or more animals. Victims may be lethargic, weak, undersocialized, unaltered, invested with fleas, mites, or parasites, and/or show clear signs of illness, weakness, malnutrition, and/or distress.

  • The animal is left behind by the owner or another person in a house, yard, or other area with no intention to return.

  • He may be very aggressive or severely shy. He may show symptoms including but not limited to cowering, hiding, fear-biting, anxiety, and/or stress, especially with his owner.

  • An owner, or any person, who is being overtly violent against the animal, striking or throwing objects at him, or otherwise physically abusing him. There is no violence against an animal that is justified. And a person who would abuse an animal in public or plain sight is likely doing far worse outside of view.

Additional Cruelty Prevention Resources

Seasonal Safety
Keeping Pets Safe Year Round

Summer Safety

Summertime means fun in the sun and warm temperatures. It is important to know how to keep pets safe in the summertime because higher temperatures mean higher risk for pets. Without proper care, pets are susceptible to overheating, sunburn, dehydration, stroke, or even death this time of year. Check out the information below to keep your pets safe in the summer.

  1. Provide lots of water and plenty of shade.
    Dogs and cats are at risk of dehydration in the summer, and they get much thirstier than we do when the get hot. Pets should always have access to fresh, clean water and especially so when the weather is warm. You can bring a travel bowl to fill when away from home.

  2. Know the signs.
    Dogs and cats don’t sweat like people do. They drink water and pant to lower their body temperature. Knowing the signs of heatstroke can keep pets safe when enjoying outdoor activities. Heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, and wobbly legs are all symptoms of heat stroke.

  3. Never leave a pet in the car.
    Cars can heat up to over 100 degrees in minutes when parked in the summertime. These temperatures can easily be fatal for pets and these types of deaths are horrid, and very preventable. Leave your dogs at home in the summertime to prevent a terrible death in a hot car.

If you witness animals in your neighborhood suffering from a lack of care during the summertime, or any time of year, do your part by making a report with the Ontario County Humane Society, or your local ASPCA.

Check out this helpful information for the Humane Society of the United States for more ways to keep your pets safe in the heat.

Winter Safety

Wintertime can be a cozy time of year with friends and family. But exposure to winter’s elements can be downright dangerous to pets. Cold air, chilly rain, and snow can cause discomfort and ice-melting chemicals can cause severe illness and even death when consumed. Check out the information below to keep your pets safe in the wintertime.

  1. Keep pets indoors when possible.
    If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets. Avoid keeping pets outside for long periods of time during very cold weather and storms.

  2. Provide outdoor shelter for pets.
    If you have outdoor dogs, cats, or community cats, provide a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough for the pet to sit and lie in while small enough to retain their body heat, is elevated a few inches off the ground with a straw or another appropriate ground cover, and has an entrance that faces away from heavy winds with a flap of heavy, waterproof fabric or plastic.

  3. Keep ice melting chemicals away from pets.
    Salt and other chemicals used to melt ice and snow can harm your pets feet. Clean your pets feet after walks with a damp towel to remove these irritants, use boots to prevent paw irritation, and look for signs that your pet’s feet are uncomfortably cold which could include them frequently lifting up their paws, whining, or stopping. Use a pet safe ice melter at home to keep your pets safe.

If you witness animals in your neighborhood suffering from a lack of care during the wintertime, or any time of year, do your part by making a report with the Ontario County Humane Society, or your local ASPCA.

Check out this helpful information from the ASPCA for more ways to keep your pets safe in the cold.

Community Cats
Supporting Stray and Feral Cats

The absolute best way to support stray and feral cats is by being responsible with your own pets. Spay and neuter your pets and NEVER abandon your cat outside. Check out the information below to learn how you can support stray and feral cats in your community.

What’s the difference between stray cats and feral cats?

Stray cats are socialized to people and can be adopted into homes, but feral cats are not socialized to people, are happy living outdoors, and do not thrive in shelter environments.

A stray cat:

  • Is a cat who has been socialized to people at some point in their life, but has left or lost their indoor home, as well as most human contact and dependence.

  • Can become a feral cat as their contact with people dwindles.

  • Can, under the right circumstances, become a pet cat once again. Stray cats who are re-introduced to a home after living outdoors may require a period of time to re-acclimate; they may be frightened and wary after spending time outside away from people.

A feral cat:

  • Is a cat who has either never had any contact with people or their contact with people has diminished over time. They are not socialized to people and survive on their own outdoors. Most community cats are not likely to ever become lap cats or enjoy living indoors.

  • Can have kittens who can be socialized at an early age and adopted into homes.

How can I help stray and feral cats?

Explore the links below for advice on caring for stray and feral cats:

PLEASE NOTE: The following information is provided by organizations that are not affiliated with the Ontario County Humane Society or Happy Tails Animal Shelter.