Our Humane Society Police Officer, Officer Speed, investigates acts of cruelty within Delaware County, Pennsylvania. When reporting an act of cruelty, please be sure to leave the address of the violation, including the town, and as much detail as possible about the nature of the complaint. While your name and contact information will not be disclosed, both are needed to obtain clarification or additional information. If you see an animal in immediate danger or being abused, you must call 911.

Their authority is granted by the State of Pennsylvania and they uphold the state’s animal cruelty laws, contained in Animal Cruelty Statute, 18 Pa. C.S., nicknamed “Libre’s Law”

Neglect of animal

• Failure to provide any of the following:
  • Food and water
  • Clean and sanitary shelter and protection from the weather
  • Necessary veterinary care

Cruelty to animal

A person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly ill treats, overloads, beats, abandons, or abuses an animal.

Aggravated cruelty to animal

A person intentionally or knowingly:

• Tortures an animal
• Violates neglect or cruelty statute and causes serious bodily injury or death

Tethering of unattended dog

An unattended dog may be tethered for less than 9 hours within a 24-hour period if the following conditions are met:

• The tether is a type commonly used for the dog’s size and breed and is at least 3 times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail or 10 feet, whichever is longer
• The tether is secured to a well-fitted collar or harness by means of a swivel anchor, swivel latch, or other mechanism designed to prevent the dog from becoming entangled
• The dog has access to water and an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun
• The dog has not been tethered for more than 30 minutes in temperatures above 90 or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit

Animal mutilation and related offenses

Animal fighting