Investigation-Dumb Friends League/Humane Society of Denver

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2080 S. Quebec St.
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 751-5772
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Castle Rock, CO 80109
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investigator

"We can judge the heart of a man
by his treatment of animals."

—Immanuel Kant

How can you help?
If you see an animal being neglected or cruelly treated, do you know how to help that animal? What should any Denver metro area resident do if they suspect that a pet is being abused? The answer is to contact the Dumb Friends League's Investigations staff.

Click here to file an online report.
If you do not receive
a response with in 48 hours, please call us at (303) 923-0022

Call us at (303) 923-0022
to file an investigation report.

As peace officers commissioned by the Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection, the League's investigators respond to reports of animal abuse and neglect, seven days a week, throughout these eight counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson and Weld.

What to report
dog behind fence Perhaps you're concerned about a neighbor's dog that's being left outside, day after day, without adequate shelter, food or water. Maybe you've noticed that someone's cat has been injured or ill for a lengthy stretch of time, yet it hasn't received any medical attention. Have you seen a pet that has a coat so badly matted, you're unable to see its face or recognize its breed? Are you aware of an animal that's been harmed? Regardless of whether or not an animal is intentionally hurt, the Dumb Friends League can help.

In fact, if an animal is in an immediate life-threatening situation, our investigators can take it to the League's facilities where our veterinary staff can give the pet the treatment it needs.

Kitten Why report animal abuse?
Even if you aren't an animal lover, you should still report animal cruelty. Studies have shown that people who intentionally harm animals are also likely to commit violent crimes toward human beings. Therefore, by reporting animal abuse, you may be preventing future violence toward people.

By reporting animal abuse, you are also promoting respect for all life, and this improves the quality of life for everyone in your community.

In order to give you a better understanding of the types of cases our animal cruelty investigators handle, you may choose to view the following page. Please note, the photographs on this page are graphic in nature. Parental guidance is recommended. Click here

How are reports investigated?
When we're notified about animal abuse, our staff first gathers as much information as possible from the person reporting the incident. Then we go out to observe the animal and the situation firsthand. Dog with no food

Once on-site, we determine whether or not an animal is in immediate danger. At that time, our investigators may also issue a court summons to the suspect to face charges of animal abuse or neglect.

It's fortunate that most of the animals we see do not need emergency attention. Usually, our cases involve animals that are owned by individuals who are unaware of appropriate animal care. Therefore, we educate them about their pets' needs. For instance, it's common for our investigators to educate owners about shelter for their pet since companion animals cannot naturally withstand extreme temperatures.

You can help eliminate animal cruelty & neglect!

Teach others about the importance of treating animals with kindness and being responsible pet owners.
Encourage pet owners you know to learn about animal behavior and appropriate care for their pets.
Ask us to visit with your school or civic group and provide them with a free education presentation. To schedule a visit, please call (303) 751-5772, Ext. 1321.
If you suspect animal neglect, cruelty or abandonment, please call us at (303) 923-0022 or file an on-line investigation report. Your report will remain confidential.

It's the law
State of Colorado: Animal Protection Act
18-9-202 Cruelty to animals - neglect of animals - offenses.

(1) A person commits cruelty to animals if he knowingly or with criminal negligence overdrives, overloads, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beats, needlessly mutilates, needlessly kills, carries or confines in or upon any vehicles in a cruel or reckless manner, or otherwise mistreats or neglects any animal, or causes or procures it to be done, or, having the charge or custody of an animal, fails to provide it with proper food, drink, or protection from the weather, or abandons it.

(b) Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.

(1.5) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly torments, tortures, or kills an animal.

(2) (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2), cruelty to animals is a class 1 misdemeanor.

(a.5) (I) (A) In addition to the sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection (2), any person convicted of committing cruelty to animals pursuant to subsection (1) of this section or aggravated cruelty

b) (I) A second or subsequent conviction under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) is a class 6 felony. A plea of nolo contendere accepted by the court shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this section.

(c) Aggravated cruelty to animals is a class 6 felony; except that a second or subsequent conviction for the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals is a class 5 felony. A plea of nolo contendere accepted by the court shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this section.

Make a donation for the animals in our care
We are a private nonprofit organization. We spend an average of $300 on every animal adopted, over and above the fee paid by the patron. If you would like to help us, you can click here to make a secure online donation or print out a donation form and mail or fax it to us.

The Dumb Friends League respects the privacy of its donors. We do not sell or exchange any individual donor information. For details on our privacy policy, click here.