Humane Investigations

Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty, dog fighting, and animal neglect are issues all too common in our communities. The reality of these horrors touches the lives of all citizens, pet-owning and non-pet-owning alike. Beaver County Humane Society employs and equips a fully trained and certified Humane Society Police Officer (HSPO) to combat these crimes in Beaver County.

Appointed by a judge and authorized to operate within Beaver County, Pennsylvania, our HSPO investigates reported cases of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect and determines whether education or prosecution is the most appropriate action for the well-being of the animal. Our HSPO investigates approximately 1,000 reported cases annually.

Our HSPO serves as a valuable resource for citizens to report suspected animal abuse. We provide some level of investigative and law enforcement support to many Beaver County municipalities, ensuring that all animals are given the protection they are due under the law.

If you suspect that someone is abusing, neglecting, or has abandoned their pet(s), please contact our Humane Investigations team at 724-775-5801 ext. 123. If it is within our jurisdiction, an investigation will be initiated. In most cases, contacting your local police department first will result in a quicker response to your concern.

All reports of animal abuse or neglect are confidential.

Understanding HSPOs

Our HSPO does:

Serve as a police-deputized law enforcement officer.
Investigate cases of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.
Rescue mistreated or abandoned animals.
Work with the District Attorney to prosecute animal abusers.
Offer education and other types of support to pet families in need.

Our HSPO does not:

Enforce local ordinances or codes, including barking complaints. For barking complaints, please call your local police department or code enforcement officer.
Handle dangerous dogs. For dangerous dog questions or complaints, please call your local police department or Dog Warden.
Offer support for crimes involving theft. Custody conflicts regarding animals are civil in nature and must be addressed by an attorney.
Give legal advice.

Animal Control

Beaver County Humane Society contracts with several municipalities in the county to provide animal control services including:

Beaver Borough
Center Township
Daugherty Township
Harmony Township
Monaca Borough
New Galilee Borough
Ohioville Borough
Patterson Township
Potter Township
Vanport Borough

If your municipality is not part of the above group, our HSPO cannot enforce dog laws regarding licensing, Rabies vaccinations, dog bites, or dogs running-at-large. For concerns, please contact your local police department or animal control officer.