Cruelty and Neglect

Report Animal Cruelty 

Animals can't speak for themselves. They rely on humans like you who care about their well-being. If you know an animal that has been abandoned, neglected or mistreated, please let us know so we can investigate or direct you to the proper resource. Don't wait! A day can be an eternity for an animal in distress.

To report cruelty please call us at (304) 342-1576 ext. 118 to reach a confidential voice-mail. We need the street address and zip code where the animal is located. Leaving a return phone number allows our Dispatcher to contact you for further information.

We take all reports of animal cruelty very seriously. All calls are completely confidential.

How to report:

• Leave a voicemail, 24 hours a day: (304) 342-1576, ext. 118
• For after-hours emergencies, call Metro at (304) 348-8111

Please note:  We do not pick up stray cats or kittens. Our Admissions Team will accept stray cats/kittens that are candidates for adoption as space allows.

How to recognize animal cruelty:

• Extremely thin, starving animals.
• Wounds on the body.
• Patches of missing hair.
• Limping.
• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food, water or shelter, often chained or locked up in a yard.
• Animals that have been abandoned by their owner.
• An owner striking, or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
• Tick or flea infestations.
• Flystrike -- open wounds on ears and/or nose caused by biting flies.
• Animals with an injury or illness who have not received medical care.
• Embedded collars/chains around the neck.
• Animals whose hair is severely matted.
• Intentionally fighting animals.