working together

Protect Rutland County Animals
WAYS WE CAN HELP

Protecting Animals in Our Community

Tails of Hope proudly partners with Rutland County law enforcement on situations involving animal neglect and abuse. We have no law enforcement authority or the resources to investigate concerns directly — but we are here to help connect you with the right people and to support the animals in need.

If you believe a situation is in violation of the law, please file your complaint with the Animal Control Officer (ACO) or the law enforcement agency serving the town where the animal resides. If you’re unsure who to contact, call the Town Clerk of that town. We will work with the appropriate agency to provide support and care for the animals if requested.

If an animal is in immediate danger, please contact the local law enforcement agency covering the town where the animal is located.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ANIMAL CRUELTY OR NEGLECT?

Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors, from unintentional neglect to deliberate harm. Most cases are unintentional and can be resolved through owner education and access to resources. Intentional cruelty includes knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care — or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

Does Tails of Hope have Animal Cops?

Calls about animals who may be neglected, abused, or mistreated are directed to the Animal Control Officer for the town where it’s happening. When appropriate, we work alongside law enforcement to assist. Tails of Hope has no law enforcement authority of our own. Animal abuse is defined by law, and what may look like neglect doesn’t always meet the legal threshold — often, these situations are resolved through education and support rather than enforcement.

WHAT DOES VERMONT LAW SAY?

Vermont has specific definitions of animal cruelty and a process for reporting incidents. To learn more, visit:

  • VT Statutes: Title 13, Chapter 8 — Humane and Proper Treatment of Animals
  • VT Statutes: Title 13, Chapter 9 — Animals

As is often the case, what we would like to see is not always what the law requires. For example, it is legal in Vermont to leave an animal outside on a chain, day or night. The statutes address shelter, food, water, exercise, and chain length — but do not require an animal be brought indoors, even on cold Vermont nights.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY OR NEGLECT?

When a report is made, the town’s ACO or law enforcement agency should visit the owner who is the subject of the complaint. In most cases, the ACO first works to resolve the situation through education and resources. If conditions don’t improve, a ticket may be issued or a search warrant obtained. You may remain anonymous when registering a report.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Educate yourself about Vermont’s animal cruelty laws using the statute links above. Report any suspected cruelty or neglect to the appropriate agency — and do your research first, as an ACO cannot investigate without an accurate address. Get involved at the town level: find out whether your community has the capacity to investigate and enforce animal welfare laws, and if not, advocate for your town to hire and train an Animal Control Officer.

Does Tails of Hope have Animal Cops?

Calls about animals who may be neglected, abused, or mistreated are directed to the Animal Control Officer for the town where it’s happening. When appropriate, we work alongside law enforcement to assist. Tails of Hope has no law enforcement authority of our own. Animal abuse is defined by law, and what may look like neglect doesn’t always meet the legal threshold — often, these situations are resolved through education and support rather than enforcement.

What happens when I report animal cruelty or neglect?

When a report is made, the town’s ACO or law enforcement agency will visit the owner who is the subject of the complaint. In most cases, the ACO first works to resolve the situation by educating the owner on how to better care for their animal(s). If conditions don’t improve, a ticket may be issued or a search warrant obtained. You may remain anonymous when registering a report of cruelty or neglect.

What can I do to help?

  • Educate yourself about Vermont’s animal cruelty laws (see links above).
  • Report any suspected cruelty or neglect to the appropriate agency. Do your research first — an ACO cannot investigate without an accurate address.
  • Get involved at the town level. Cruelty and neglect are crimes that must be investigated by law enforcement or an ACO. Find out whether your town has the capacity to investigate and enforce animal welfare laws — and if not, advocate for your town to hire and train an Animal Control Officer.