Help keep frightened pets safe from harm. To report a suspected case of cruelty or neglect, or to better understand the laws regarding animal cruelty and neglect, contact the:

Humane Society of Polk County
(863) 324-5227

Polk County Animal Services
(863) 499-2600

It is very difficult to listen to our citizens call in to report on pets they have seen hurt.  A child shooting a cat with a b-b gun ... a man kicking a dog…someone setting a pet on fire… someone throwing a pet out of a car window onto the highway… someone who suspects a neighbor is raising pets as bait for dog fighting… these are stories that tell us that perhaps our community is not as civilized as it thinks it is.

Here's the good news in this grim subject.  The Humane Society of Polk County's Cruelty Investigators serve as educators.  Most of the time, pet owners just need to be taught, or reminded, about the proper way to shelter and care for their companion animals.  These owners mean well, but perhaps were misinformed or misguided. Conversations, education and follow-up most often will direct the owners to provide the appropriate level of care for their pets.

But on days when mere education is ineffective, the Cruelty Investigators are there, working with Polk County Animal Services and law enforcement agency's to bring the pets to safety.

It's never too early to identify this problem.  Social scientists and law enforcement agencies now recognize that cruelty to animals is a serious HUMAN problem, closely linked to other violent crimes.  Cruelty to animals is another form of family violence, and pets are often the most likely recipients of this violence.

Your donation in support of our Cruelty Investigation will help pets live longer and healthier. Please donate today!