How to File an Anonymous Animal Cruelty Report in the Ark-La-Tex

As a historic winter storm grips the Ark-La-Tex and temperatures plummet toward record lows, the concern for local residents has shifted from their own thermostats to the lives of vulnerable animals.

While most of us are hunkered down inside, many pets across our region remain chained or trapped outdoors. Here is what you need to know about the law, the risks, and how you can save a life today.

The Law: It Isn't Just Cruel, It’s a Felony

The Louisiana SPCA and local law enforcement are making one thing clear: When the National Weather Service issues a freeze advisory, it is illegal to leave pets outside.

As temperatures dip into the single digits, Animal Control Officers are now treating all welfare calls as emergency calls. If you fail to bring your pet inside, you face more than just a fine:

Your animal can be seized immediately.

You can be charged with Felony Animal Cruelty.

Under Louisiana Law (Sec. 54-376), cruelty is defined as the "intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment" of an animal, including any "omission" that allows for unjustifiable physical pain or death. In these record-breaking lows, an unheated doghouse or a chain is not enough to prevent suffering.

Don’t Wait: How to Report Cruelty

The Louisiana SPCA is currently being flooded with calls. If you see an animal left out in the cold or chained without proper shelter, do not assume someone else has reported it. * Make the Call: Your report is 100% confidential.

Leave Details: If you can’t get a live operator, leave a detailed voicemail. Include the exact address and where on the property the animal is located. The more specific you are, the faster officers can intervene.

You can phone 911 for emergencies or your local Animal Control agency for non-emergency situations. The number in Bossier Parish is 318.741.8499. In Caddo, the number is 318.226.6624

A 5-Second Habit That Saves Lives

It isn't just pets at risk, community cats are currently seeking any source of heat they can find. This often means crawling into car engine blocks.

Before you start your car:

Bang on your hood.

Honk your horn.

This gives feral cats a chance to escape before the engine starts. A five-second delay could prevent a tragedy.