How to Report Animal Abuse at Pet Stores

By J. Johnson, eHow Contributor

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Just because an animal is in a pet store does not mean it's safe.

Animal cruelty can exist at pet stores when workers are misinformed and not adequately trained in animal care. Cruelty can include things as simple as malnutrition or as outright as a worker physically abusing a pet store animal or allowing a customer to do so. If you see anything at a pet store that is or could be animal abuse or cruelty, you should collect all possible evidence and report it right away to multiple government departments and organizations to stop the abuse. 

• Signs of Abused Animals

Instructions

1. • 1
     Take notes of the details and get proof, if possible. Write down the store name and location, the date and time, names and physical descriptions of employees or customers involved, and the type of abuse witnessed. Take pictures and video, using your cell phone if necessary.
   • 2
     Contact the animal control department in your state. Check your state's website for the contact information or call your local government office.
   • 3
     Call the police if your area does not have a specific animal control department, such as a rural area, or if you're traveling.
   • 4
     Explain the abuse you witnessed at the pet store to the authority figure you contact. Let them know that you know animal cruelty is illegal in every state and that you are willing to cooperate with the investigation. Tell them all the details you noted and let them know if you have any evidence, such as pictures and video.
   • 5
     Go to a local animal welfare agency if your local police department refuses to investigate and you do not have an animal control department. An animal welfare agency can help start the investigation of the pet store when authorities are uncooperative.

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