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What is animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty is defined as malicious and intentional maiming, mutilating, torturing, or wounding a living animal, or malicious and intentional killing of an animal.

What does animal cruelty include?

Animal cruelty includes any activity that causes injury, disability, or death. Examples of animal cruelty are kicking, hitting, choking, punching, hanging, stabbing, shooting, setting on fire, or electrocuting.

Why shouldn't we tolerate animal cruelty?

Cruelty to animals can be evidence of emotional disturbances, which could later lead to violence toward humans. Infamous serial killers such as Jeffrey Dahmer, David Berkowitz "son of Sam", Albert Desalve "The Boston Strangler" and many more, have notorious histories of animal abuse in their past. Psychologists and criminal profiling experts have documented a strong link between animal abuse and violence against humans.

What does the ACTF investigate?

The ACTF investigates animal cruelty, neglect, hoarding, mutilation or sacrifice, bestiality, cockfighting, and dog fighting.

What happens to the impounded animals?

Impounded animals are taken to the nearest animal shelters located citywide. At the animal shelters, the impounded animals are entered into the Special Treatment and Recovery (STAR) program where the severely injured, abused, and neglected animals rescued by the ACTF receive medical treatment from experienced veterinarians.

May I foster or adopt animals that have been impounded by the ACTF?

Yes. The Department of Animal Services has a Foster Program that trains volunteers to provide temporary homes for animals with special needs until they are healthy enough for adoption. Please contact the Department of Animal Services at 888-452-7381 or visit www.lacity.org/ani for more information on the foster or adoption programs.

Do suspects who commit animal cruelty go to jail?

Yes. Animal cruelty is a violation of California Penal Code Section 597(a) punishable by imprisonment in the state prison, or by a fine of not more than $20,000 or by both the fine and imprisonment.

May I volunteer to help the ACTF?

Volunteers are always welcome at the various animal shelters located citywide. Visit www.lacity.org/ani for more information.

May I contribute funds to the ACTF?

Yes, the ACTF accepts monetary donations. Please make the checks payable to the City of Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF).

How would those funds be used?

The contributions will be put into the ACTF trust fund and may be disbursed for medical treatment of victims of animal cruelty, abuse, and/or neglect.

How many officers are in the ACTF?

The ACTF is composed of two Lieutenants, two Detectives, five Police Officers II, and five Animal Control Officers.

What area does the ACTF serve?

The ACTF serves the City of Los Angeles only.

Who can join the ACTF?

The ACTF is comprised of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department, Department of Animal Services, Office of the City Attorney, and recently, the Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Due to the sensitive nature of animal cruelty investigations, only City employees who have had extensive training in animal cruelty investigations are eligible to join the ACTF.

Does the City of Los Angeles require all dogs within the City to be licensed?

Yes, dog owners are required to obtain a license for their dog(s). Having a dog without a license is a violation of the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 53.28. Dog licensing violation imposes escalating fines. Visit www.lacity.org/ani for more information on obtaining permits and licenses.

Can I make my complaint anonymously?

Yes, you can make an animal cruelty complaint without identifying yourself. The complainant's identity will be kept with utmost confidentiality.