Animals are neglected in a pet store.If you want to help those animals, you should report the pet store to law enforcement.Depending on where you live, state or local regulatory agencies may be able to take care of the problem.Do what you can to alert your community to the plight of the animals if law enforcement and regulatory agencies are slow to respond.
Step 1: Make sure to document the situation as much as possible.
You can write down a chronological account of what you saw.The exact dates and times you observed the neglect or abuse should be included.If you can, try to get photos or video, but don't put yourself in harm's way or go into areas that are not supposed to be there.There are areas of the store marked "Employees Only".Take notice of the physical and environmental signs of neglect.The animals may appear weak or injured.Their cages may be dirty, or they may not have enough food or water.
Step 2: You should check your state's animal welfare law.
You have to become an expert on animal welfare law if you want to report pet store neglect.Police may be unwilling to investigate the situation unless you can show them that they have the authority to do so.There is an index of state laws governing pet shops on the Born Free USA website.There is an extensive collection of state and local laws and regulations on the USDA's website.You can find these documents at https://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/state-and-local.You can highlight the laws or regulations you think the pet store has violated.When you file your report with law enforcement, take this copy with you.
Step 3: Which agency enforces animal laws?
Police or animal control are usually responsible for investigating neglect at pet stores.Your local humane society may be responsible for the initial investigation.Michigan State University's Animal Legal & Historical Center has a table with information on where to report animal neglect in each state.You can use the table to read about animal welfare laws.Pet shops can be regulated in some cities.New York City requires pet shops to provide adequate care and sanitary conditions for all animals.
Step 4: Take care of your documentation and other records.
Along with copies of your state's applicable law, you should also include any photos, videos, or notes you have documenting the neglect.You want copies of any correspondence you've had with the pet store owners or employees.Write down the phone number and street address of the store.The owners or managers of the store should be contacted.You should make copies of everything you have.Don't give law enforcement your only copy.
Step 5: Your report should be filed with law enforcement.
Call a non-emergency number or go to the station and tell an officer about the neglect you've seen.Bring any photos, videos, or other evidence along with you if you go to the station in person.If you file your report over the phone, you should let the officer know if you have evidence.They can ask you to bring it in or give you an email address.If you give them your name and contact information, they're more likely to give you a report.It is easy to dismiss or ignore anonymous reports.When the report is done, you should get a copy of it.You might have to take a different trip to the station.The case number and the name of the officer or detective assigned to investigate the report are included in the written report.
Step 6: You should follow up on your report.
Law enforcement officers are busy and you don't want to be a nuisance.To find out how the investigation is progressing, check in at least once a week.The officers will be more likely to investigate the situation if they know that you are serious about your report.You may be contacted by officers for more information or to make a statement about the neglect you observed.Don't make the situation seem worse than it really is.You can express your concern, but only if you stick to the facts.
Step 7: Contact your state's department of agriculture.
If your state regulates pet stores and others who sell companion animals to the public, the state department of agriculture is likely to enforce those regulations.Companion animal or animal welfare regulations can be found on the website of your state's department of agriculture.You can use the contact information on the website to file a complaint.To submit a complaint online, some state departments may have a form for you to use.
Step 8: Find out if your state requires pet stores to be licensed.
There are 27 states that have special licenses for pet stores.You may be able to get the store's license suspended if you live in one of those states.Periodic inspections are typically required for licensing.In response to complaints that the pet store is violating licensing requirements, some states will do inspections on demand.Some regulations only apply to cats and dogs.
Step 9: You can call the health department.
There may be unsanitary conditions at a pet store.You can get a health inspector to conduct an inspection of the premises and potentially shut down the store for violations.There is a health inspection sign in the store.The health inspection score must be displayed prominently if the store is required to be inspected.Call the local information number in your city to find out how to complain about the health department.
Step 10: You can submit a complaint to the USDA.
The federal department of agriculture may be able to help if your state's department is unwilling or unable to stop the neglect.Visit their website and fill out the complaint form.If the pet store sells wild or exotic animals, the USDA will investigate.Chinchillas, parrots, and many lizards are not native to the United States.You don't need to involve exotic animals in the USDA's actions if you witness neglect.If the store sells exotic animals to the public, it is covered by federal law.The USDA can be reached at (301) 851-3751.You can submit a complaint at the appropriate regional department.
Step 11: You should get an expert opinion.
If you know of a vet who will go to the pet store with you to observe the animals and the conditions in which they're kept, ask them.Your claims will be strengthened by an expert's opinion that the animals are being neglected.The expert should write down their opinion.Provide a copy of the written opinion to any law enforcement or regulatory agencies you've already contacted.
Step 12: Send a letter to the newspaper.
A variety of issues of concern to the community are accepted by local newspapers.If you have photos you'd like to submit, let the paper know.If you would be willing to speak to a reporter, let the newspaper know.Some newspapers would like to investigate the matter and publish their own stories.
Step 13: Information should be posted on social media.
Friends and family can support you by using your social media accounts.A small protest could be held in front of the pet store to raise awareness.If you plan on getting people together to protest, make sure you don't break any local laws.Ask your local government.You might need a permit.
Step 14: You can send a tip for local news.
Local TV news stations usually have an investigative report team that digs into issues of concern to people in the community.These teams rely on tips from the public to get more exposure.The reporters will ask the agencies what they've done.If you have reported the issue to law enforcement or regulatory agencies and they have been slow to respond, a local news report may motivate them.
Step 15: Get in touch with animal rights organizations.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals investigate complaints of neglect and cruel treatment of animals.They can often get authorities to respond more quickly by using tactics that are not available to the average person.These organizations have websites.You can either call the organization or report the problem on the website.You don't need to be a member of the organization to file a report.