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Emergency

Observed animal cruelty: report it and file a complaint

Animals may not be tormented, mistreated or neglected without reasonable cause, that is a criminal offense. If you observe animal cruelty or neglect, you can report it to the veterinary office and file a complaint. Good evidence and quick action are important, especially in cases of acute danger.

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The Animal Welfare Act prohibits inflicting pain, suffering or harm on an animal without reasonable cause. Serious or brutal mistreatment is a criminal offense; lesser violations are administrative offenses.
You can report animal cruelty to the veterinary office (responsible for animal welfare) and, for criminal offenses, file a complaint with the police. In cases of acute danger to the animal you should act immediately and notify the authorities.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Secure evidence

    Document the situation with photos/videos, date, place and, if possible, witnesses.

  2. 2

    2. Report to the veterinary office

    Report neglect or mistreatment to the responsible veterinary/animal-welfare office.

  3. 3

    3. Complaint for criminal offenses

    For serious mistreatment, additionally file a criminal complaint with the police.

  4. 4

    4. Act immediately in acute danger

    If the animal is in immediate danger of harm, notify the police or veterinary office at once.

How to spot the scam

  • An animal is obviously neglected (no water, food, shelter) or mistreated.
  • There is acute danger to the animal's life or health.
  • You did not document the situation before you acted.

Frequently asked questions

Is animal cruelty a criminal offense?

Yes. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits inflicting pain, suffering or harm on an animal without reasonable cause. Whoever brutally mistreats an animal or torments it severely commits a criminal offense; lesser violations are administrative offenses.

Where do I report animal cruelty?

You report neglect and animal-welfare violations to the responsible veterinary/animal-welfare office. For criminal mistreatment you additionally file a complaint with the police. Secure evidence beforehand (photos, videos, witnesses).

What do I do in acute danger to the animal?

Act immediately and notify the police or veterinary office at once so that the animal can be brought to safety. Document the situation as far as possible without endangering yourself.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.