Most abuse or neglect cases that people contact us about are those "they heard" about. The criminal justice system does not take hearsay seriously. If you "heard" that someone beats his dog, or you "heard" that horses aren't cared for, etc. you need to have the person who told you contact Pasado's Safe Haven directly.

"Standard of Evidence" in Animal Cruelty Cases

Unlike crimes against humans, animal cruelty cases require a higher "standard of evidence", we are sad to admit. If an animal has bruises or scars on him/her, this will not bring about a prosecution. An eyewitness is needed. Simply being "owned" by someone doesn't point the finger at that person.

If an animal is hurt by someone else, such as a dog being shot to death, an eyewitness is needed. We have had cases reported to Pasado's where a dog had been shot to death. The neighbor had threatened to do this for years. But, when the day came that the dog was killed, no one saw the act and no prosecution could occur. Unlike criminal cases against humans, authorities are reluctant to do ballistics tests.

Pasado's Safe Haven has successfully assisted prosecutors in numerous cruelty and neglect cases. We know "what it takes" to bring a case to trial.

What to do:
1. If you can, photograph or videotape the abuse/neglect (it is NOT illegal to videotape images, only audio). If you are able to do this, do NOT release this to authorities. MAKE A COPY FIRST. Release only the copy, NOT the original photos or videotape.

Document dates and times of abuse

Pasado's Safe Haven will investigate your case only if the following takes place first. We need to make sure a record of reporting has taken place before we pursue a case:

2. If this is not an emergency, find the proper jurisdiction (i.e. city, county, police or sheriff)
3. Report all information to the local authorities who are responsible for this jurisdiction.
4. Get the name of the responding officer
5. Get a case number and ask to be called after they investigate.
6. Find out what day they investigated the incident.
7. Be a squeaky wheel! The cases that get attention are those where people didn't give up. Call everyday.
If you do not get any resolution from the above, then Pasado's Safe Haven may be able to help.

Click here to download a Pasado's Safe Haven abuse/neglect report.