You can report stray animals that are shackled or tied up in someone’s yard to Los Angeles Animal Services for pickup by visiting this page and selecting the “CREATE SR” button in the upper right corner of the page.
Whenever possible, take stray or loose animals to the nearest Animal Services Center; they are open 24/7 for animal intake.
Report animals trapped in hot cars, abandoned property, etc. or report owner neglect – using sick or injured animal items or animals, humane treatment – and contact the nearest Animal Services Center (shelter) immediately.
Los Angeles Animal Rescue Website: http://www.laanimalservices.com/
Animal Cruelty
If animal cruelty is reported, an animal control officer will investigate the case. If it is determined that inhumane treatment/cruelty is occurring, the animal may be removed from the environment and placed in protective care until a decision is made. If you observe or suspect animal cruelty, please contact your local shelter.
This may also be used to report dogs being tied or chained for long periods of time on private property without adequate water or shade, per LAMC 53.70. See Tethering Rules.
Hours of Operation Beginning Saturday, August 21, 2021, all six Los Angeles Animal Services centers will begin operating on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. without an appointment. We will continue to operate by appointment from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for pet adoptions, foster care, and owner surrenders, with centers closed on Mondays. Appointments are still required, except for sick or injured animals. Please call 888-452-7381 to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about the laws against animal cruelty and how to report it, visit: http://www.laanimalservices.com/laws-policies/animal-cruelty/
Violation of Animal Management Regulations
The Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) investigates behaviors that violate animal-related regulations, such as:
Having too many pets (more than 3 dogs or 3 cats without a kennel or caretaker license)
Having unlicensed dogs or horses (cats do not require a license) *Distance complaints related to keeping chickens or roosters (LAMC 53.59)
Allowing dogs to roam without a leash (if currently reported as Animal Loose/Stray)
Failure to clean up after pets defecate on private or public property.
If you report any of the above behaviors, you must provide the animal owner’s address to the relevant department for LAAS to conduct an
investigation or send ordinance rule notifications.
For emergencies, such as animals being locked in hot cars, animal attacks, stray or injured animals, contact the Animal Services department
at 888-452-7381 – emergency situations
For dog fighting or rooster fighting – please refer to the animal abuse article for guidance.
For neglect/humane treatment issues – please refer to the humane treatment article for more information – emergency situations
For barking dog complaints – see the barking dog article for instructions on how to report them in writing.
Los Angeles Animal Protection Department
The City Attorney’s Animal Protection Unit is responsible for prosecuting all cases of animal abuse and neglect in the entire Los Angeles area.
The Animal Protection Department works closely with law enforcement agencies, the city’s animal services department,
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los
Angeles (SPCALA), and other local and national humane organizations.
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Animal Protection Department website: http://www.lacityattorney.org/animal-protection
Animal and Humane Treatment
The Los Angeles Animal Services Department (LAAS) investigates behaviors that violate humane treatment of animals,
such as animals not having food, water, or shelter, being tethered for extended periods, or being moved and abandoned by their owners.
For emergencies, such as injured or sick animals, aggressive or obstructed animals, animals locked in hot cars,
animals neglected by their owners, animals needing medical care that their owners do not provide, and animals suffering physical abuse from
their owners. Call the Animal Services hotline at 888-452-7381 for assistance.
For complaints about property owners not cleaning up yards, animal waste, fleas, flies, etc. – please contact the County Health Department.