The new Animal Welfare Law has the objective of putting an end once and for all to animal abuse and neglect in our country, with a tightening of economic sanctions and prison sentences for this type of crime. However, to stop a case of animal abuse, it is essential to act when we witness it.
Our silence and inaction make us, in a way, accomplices of the abuser. That is why we must remain alert and act as socially responsible citizens if we believe that an animal is being abused.
This not only concerns a person beating an animal, but it is also considered abuse if the animal is not properly cared for. For example, if he is malnourished or in poor hygienic conditions, sick, abandoned or chained in an unfavorable environment, etc.
If you believe – or know for sure – that an animal is being mistreated, no matter how much your blood boils, immediately intervening or confronting the aggressor is not always a good idea. These people with violent instincts towards animals can also be dangerous to other humans. You should only act immediately if there is a serious danger of death of the animal.
Instead, there is another way to act. In the event that you believe or see that the abuse is taking place at that moment, you must call the State Security Forces and Corps as soon as possible, be it local police, SEPRONA of the Civil Guard or another competent authority depending on of your territorial area.
As the authorities go to the scene, collect as much data and evidence as possible. Photographs and videos of the attack or the aggressor, location of the scene of the events, data to identify the abuser and witnesses to the events, date, time… All of this will be of great help for reporting and investigating what happened.
The same happens if you have not imminently witnessed the aggression, but you know or suspect that the animal is being abused. In this case it is not necessary to alert the authorities, but it is necessary to collect abundant evidence for the complaint.
You can report a case of animal abuse through criminal or administrative proceedings. In the case of criminal proceedings, it can be done ex officio, through the minutes and certificate issued by the agents at the scene; or filing a complaint at the police station or at the Duty Court.
By administrative means, it must be submitted in writing to the competent authority. Remember to provide details to support your complaint, both your identification and that of other witnesses willing to testify, identification of the person denounced and information about the time and place of what happened, identification of the animal and relevant evidence.
If you do not know how to carry out the process or do not wish to report in person to maintain your anonymity, you can contact animal protection associations that will help you.