Reporting animal cruelty or neglect – how does it work?
What to do now
- Acute danger – an animal is being abused right now or its life is at risk: police 110.
- Otherwise write it down: what, where, when, how often; which animals, in what condition; who else saw it.
- Take photos or videos – from public ground.
- Report it to the veterinary office, preferably in writing. The authority must follow up reports and may inspect the keeping.
- You can also file a criminal complaint with the police or the public prosecutor. Anyone can do this.
Please do not
- Do not enter the property and do not “rescue” and take an animal – that is trespass and theft and puts the case at risk.
- Do not publish accusations with names and addresses on social media.
- Do not give up if nothing happens: ask again after two weeks, submit new observations.
Who helps
You can find the veterinary office through the district or city administration. Our local pages show which district is responsible for your town. We help you word the report.
Report an emergency Animal rescue near you
Frequent questions
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. But a report with your name and contact details carries more weight, because the office can ask questions. You can ask for your name to be treated confidentially.
What counts as animal cruelty?
Anyone who causes a vertebrate considerable pain or suffering, or kills it, without reasonable cause commits a criminal offence (section 17 of the German Animal Welfare Act). Poor keeping – too little food, water, space, care or shelter from the weather – is also prohibited and is penalised by the authority.
Related
This page gives general advice. It replaces neither a vet nor legal advice.
More guides
- Wild animal foundFound a wild animal – who helps?
- Finding an emergency vetEmergency vet – how to find one at night and at the weekend
- Hedgehog foundFound a hedgehog – what to do?
- Bird foundFound a young or injured bird – what to do?
- Dog foundFound a stray dog – what to do?
- Cat turned upA cat has turned up or been found – what to do?
- Pet run awayDog or cat has run away – what to do?
- Collision with wildlifeCollision with wildlife: deer or wild boar hit – what to do?
- Dog in a hot carDog in a hot car – what to do?
- Poison bait foundFound poison bait – and what if the dog has already eaten some?
- Injured pigeonFound an injured pigeon – what to do?
- Fawn foundFound a fawn or young wild animal – what to do?
- Squirrel foundFound a squirrel – what to do?
- Bat foundFound a bat – what to do?
- Young hare foundFound a young hare or wild rabbit – what to do?
- Injured swan or duckFound an injured swan, duck or goose – what to do?
- Cat hit by a carCat hit by a car or found at the roadside – what to do?
- Abandoned animal foundFound an abandoned animal – what to do?
Spreading the word helps
Share this page – every share reaches people who can help.
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