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Reporting Animal Cruelty

Animal neglect and abuse is everyone’s business. Just like young children, animals can’t get themselves out of an abusive situation to seek help. YOU need to be their voice. YOU need to speak for them.

ALL animals in New Jersey—domestic, wild, “farmed,” or otherwise—are protected under the law. To familiarize yourself with the Animal Cruelty statutes in New Jersey, please click here.

If you see or hear of animal abuse or neglect, your first step is to call your local police. They have a designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) charged with investigating animal abuse. Ask to speak to the HLEO.

If you do not get results, the chain of command you should follow is to next call the chief of police and if necessary, then your county prosecutor’s office which also has a designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer. Ask to speak to that person and let them know that the system is not working!

New Jersey County Prosecutors’ Offices

ATLANTIC COUNTY: 609-909-7800
BERGEN COUNTY: 201-646-2300
BURLINGTON COUNTY: 609-265-5035
CAMDEN COUNTY: Detective Mike Batista, 856-225-8537 or 856-676-8175
CAPE MAY COUNTY: 609-465-1135
CUMBERLAND COUNTY: 856-453-0486 EXT. 115
ESSEX COUNTY: 973-621-4700
GLOUCESTER COUNTY: 856-384-5500
HUDSON COUNTY: 201-795-6400
HUNTERDON COUNTY: 908-788-1129
MERCER COUNTY: 609-989-6309
MIDDLESEX COUNTY: 732-745-3300
MONMOUTH COUNTY: For cruelty, neglect and abuse the Office of the Monmouth County Prosecutor and the Monmouth County SPCA have set up a hotline. Instead of the police, please call: 877-898-PAWS (7297)
MORRIS COUNTY: 973-285-6200
OCEAN COUNTY: 732-929-2027
PASSAIC COUNTY: 973-881-4800
SALEM COUNTY: 856-935-7510 Ext. 8333
SOMERSET COUNTY: 908-231-7100
SUSSEX COUNTY: 973-383-1570
UNION COUNTY: 908-527-4500
WARREN COUNTY: 908-475-6287