Report Animal Cruelty (Abuse or Neglect)

Kern County Animal Services investigates animal complaint reports only for residents who live in the unincorporated areas of Kern County (including the unincorporated municipalities of Frazier Park, Lamont, Mojave, Oildale, and Rosamond) or in the contracted city of Tehachapi. Residents of other incorporated cities will have to go through their city agency for this service.

Which agency investigates animal complaint reports for my community?

What Happens After You Report a Problem

Animal Services investigates complaint reports during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday. (excluding County holidays (PDF)). For complaints that are sent during normal business hours, Animal Services will dispatch an Animal Control Officer to investigate as soon as possible, based on priority. Animal cruelty is a high priority.

Complaints that are sent outside of normal business hours will be responded to as soon as possible on the next working day.

Additional information:

• Any type of animal cruelty/abuse/neglect is illegal.
• If it appears the incident was unintended or accidental, animal services officers may work to educate the violator.
• If the act was intentional and the officers have sufficient evidence, the abuser can face criminal charges and can be punished by imprisonment or fine.
• In most cases, your identity and contact information (as the person reporting the issue) can be kept confidential at the department level. The exception: if the matter results in a criminal court case, this information can be subpoenaed.

Report Form

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