Cruelty Investigations

Humane Law Enforcement

Many of the animals that we see are victims of cruelty and neglect. Crimes against animals are illegal, and our Animal Control Officers work with local police, city attorneys, and district attorneys to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted. If you suspect someone of being cruel to an animal, please call us at (408) 764-0344.

Anyone can report abuse (or even suspected abuse) to SVACA 24-hours-a-day. You don't need to leave your name, just tell us where the animal is and what the problem is. We will send someone to investigate. By law, animal owners in the State of California need to provide their animals with proper food, fresh water, shelter from the elements, adequate and clean space, and veterinary care when needed. If you know of an animal who is being denied these, please call us. We also encourage callers to compete an Animal Complaint Form so we can thoroughly investigate your complaint.

If you know of an animal in trouble please call us at (408) 764-0344.

SVACA's Humane Law Enforcement program responds to over 600 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect every year. Calls range from investigating cases of animals beaten to death to educating owners on ways to provide basic care for their animals. Some examples of our cases follow.

Cases from SVACA Officers' Files

For more stories check out our Facebook page.

Animal Cruelty is No Joke

In January 2020, the Field Services Team responded to a call from the Santa Clara Police to assist with a dog belonging to an individual who was being arrested. An emaciated pit bull mix was observed in the back of a vehicle. She was unable to walk and had to be carried due to her toenails growing into her paw pads. The dog was seized to protect her health and safety and an investigation was conducted. SVACA's Medical Team worked tirelessly to make her comfortable. A Penal Code (PC) 597.1 post seizure hearing was conducted and the hearing officer determined that the dog was lawfully seized. After three months of care at SVACA and almost 10 pounds added to her petite frame, Taffy was accepted into a placement partner's program. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office filed charges and the case recently concluded as the owner plead guilty to PC 597(b) - Cruelty to Animals and PC 653m(a) - Unlawful Annoyance or Harassment by Telephone or Electronic Communications Device. He was sentenced to one year probation, is unable to own an animal for five years, must 'stay away' from SVACA, must perform 80 hours of community service and must attend 16 hours of animal cruelty classes.

Handsome Harry Finds His Happy

In the middle of a cold October night, Animal Control Officer Morris responded to a request from the Santa Clara Police Department to assist them with a dire situation at a motel. Harry was found in a pick-up truck tied to the seat with front and back legs bound together with electrical tape. His muzzle was also taped shut so he could not open his mouth. He was immediately freed from being bound to the truck. The tape was carefully removed, and water was provided. His owner was found at the motel and arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. Harry was taken into protective custody.

 Weak from being bound and barely able to stand or walk, Morris transported him to the Animal Care Center for care an

d an abundance of TLC to help erase all he had endured. Life suddenly took a good turn for the poor, young pup. Our medical team put h

im on a good diet and prescribed antibiotics to help heal from abrasions and swelling from his horrific experience.

 Once he was feeling better, Harry's personality blossomed, and he was ready for his next chapter.

He was quickly adopted and now goes for daily walks and play dates with neighborhood canines. His forever family reports that he's eager to please, super playful and a happy little guy.

This case is currently pending.

Princess Finds Forever

Animal Control Officer (ACO) Morris investigated a case of a rabbit living in a filthy cage on a patio with no food or water. ACO Morris observed severe matts with fecal matter and overgrown nails. The rabbit was seized to protect her health and safety.

SVACA’s medical team examined Princess (as the staff named this beautiful, good-natured girl) and started her on a health plan. She was bathed and the matts were trimmed away.

Once she was well enough, she was adopted to a family who fell in love with her and understood her need for being groomed regularly to keep that fluffy mane in tip-top shape.

The owner was charged with felony animal cruelty and the case is currently pending.

Justice for Cody

SVACA was contacted by a reporting party regarding a man physically abusing his yellow lab. The dog was routinely tied up in the yard on a short tether approximately 12 inches in length and when the dog barked, the owner would come out and hit him with a large piece of wood.

Animal Control Officer Morris investigated and found that “Cody” was indeed being abused and took custody of him. The owner was prosecuted and sentenced to serve 40 days in jail, was assessed fines of $410.00 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $165.00. He was also given an additional two years of court probation.

“Cody” was transferred to a placement partner and subsequently accepted into a national disaster response program where he was trained to work with first responders. We know for certain “Cody” got his true second chance!

Abby’s Second Chance Story

“Abby” was rescued from the streets of Campbell by Officer Morris. She was emaciated with hips and ribs protruding, and had significant hair loss as well as skin lesions all over her body. A treatment protocol was started immediately; she gradually began to gain weight and through regular bathing her skin began to improve.

The owner was identified and issued a citation for violating California Penal Code 597, “Crimes Against Animals.” The case is pending.

“Abby” is now with a placement partner awaiting her forever family. 

How You Can Help

In 2001, two 17-year-old Campbell boys were arrested for setting three cats on fire. Two of the cats died; a third cat, Chubz, survived but was euthanized due to the extent of his injuries.

In response to the acts of cruelty inflicted on the cats, the SVACA Board of Directors established the "Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority/Chubz Animal Care Fund”. The fund is used to financially assist in the veterinary care of animals that are victims of cruelty. Click here to find out how you can donate to the fund.

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