I reported animal cruelty, why wasn’t the animal removed by law enforcement?
My neighbor leaves their dogs outside 24 hours a day. I never see anyone interact with the dog and it cries constantly. Isn’t that cruelty?
Does the Harris County District Attorney’s Office take charges when a dog bites a human?
How do I report animal cruelty in Harris County?
How do I find out which prosecutor is assigned to my case?
Who else can I contact for assistance?
Animal Cruelty
Prosecutors assigned to the Animal Cruelty Section handle cases involving both abuse and neglect-type offenses of livestock and non-livestock animals, including torture, cruelly causing death or serious bodily injury, bestiality, interference with a police service animal and failure to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter.
Animals cannot speak for themselves, so the best source of information about animals that are being abused is from you, the residents of Harris County. The most common way that animal cruelty investigations are initiated is through tips to law enforcement or to an animal welfare organization. Law enforcement, with the assistance of the animal welfare organization, will investigate and present the results of the investigation to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Animal Cruelty Section for possible charges.
To contact the Animal Cruelty Section, please call 713-274-5703.
- I reported animal cruelty, why wasn’t the animal removed by law enforcement?
- My neighbor leaves their dogs outside 24 hours a day. I never see anyone interact with the dog and it cries constantly. Isn’t that cruelty?
- Does the Harris County District Attorney’s Office take charges when a dog bites a human?
- How do I report animal cruelty in Harris County?
- How do I find out which prosecutor is assigned to my case?
- Who else can I contact for assistance?
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I reported animal cruelty, why wasn’t the animal removed by law enforcement?
Answer
Animals are considered property in the State of Texas, and just like a law enforcement officer could not walk into your home and take your television without following proper legal procedures, a law enforcement officer cannot take someone’s animal without following the proper legal procedures. The District Attorney’s Office works with law enforcement to ensure that proper procedures are followed while also prioritizing the safety of the animal.
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My neighbor leaves their dogs outside 24 hours a day. I never see anyone interact with the dog and it cries constantly. Isn’t that cruelty?
Answer
In the State of Texas, it is not illegal to have outdoor dogs. As long as the person is providing adequate food, water, care and shelter as required by state law and local ordinance, there is likely nothing illegal about the situation described.
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Does the Harris County District Attorney’s Office take charges when a dog bites a human?
Answer
The Animal Cruelty Section of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office does file charges for dog attack cases when supported by available evidence. This does not, however, mean that every time a dog bites a human the dog’s owner can be charged criminally. Texas law requires that the injuries caused by the bite be very severe, and several other specific criteria must be met. Most dog bites will not meet the legal criteria for criminal charges, but charging decisions are made on a case-by-case basis as evidence warrants.
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How do I report animal cruelty in Harris County?
Answer
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office does not accept tips regarding potential animal cruelty without the case first being referred to law enforcement. If you wish to report a suspected case of animal cruelty, please contact:
- Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce at 832-927-PAWS or online.
- Houston SPCA Cruelty Hotline – 713-869-7722
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How do I find out which prosecutor is assigned to my case?
Answer
You may call us at 713-274-0703 and our staff will connect you with the prosecutor assigned to your case.
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Who else can I contact for assistance?
Answer
Please visit Victim Resources or call 713-274-5703.
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