Most animal abuse cases go unnoticed. Here’s how you can report them in Charlotte
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest after a dog was found in a dumpster with its legs bound by a necktie.
The tan male dog was found Feb. 5 in a Dumpster at the Cheshire Chase Apartments in the 3700 block of Connery Court, The Charlotte Observer reported. That’s off Old Sugar Creek Road in northeast Charlotte.
Police didn’t say who rescued the dog, but he did receive medical attention at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control Shelter, .
The case is part of a growing uptick in animal abuse incidents in Charlotte, crime data shows.
In 2021, there were 93 animal cruelty incidents reported by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, according to the most recent data available from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.
For comparison, there were 52 animal cruelty incidents reported by CMPD from 2019-2020, data show.
The majority of animal cruelty cases are never reported, according to The Humane Society. But there are ways you can help.
Here’s what to know about animal cruelty laws in North Carolina and how you can report violations.
NC animal cruelty laws
In North Carolina, intentionally wounding, injuring, tormenting or starving an animal is a misdemeanor offense, according to state law.
Maliciously torturing, mutilating, beating, poisoning or killing an animal is a felony offense, the law says. The law defines the word “maliciously” as “an act committed intentionally and with malice or bad motive.”
The law does not apply to the following activities:
Taking of animals under the jurisdiction of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Lawful activities conducted for the purpose of biomedical research
Lawful activities conducted for the purpose of providing food for human and animal consumption
Activities conducted for lawful veterinary purposes
The lawful destruction of any animal for the purpose of protecting the public
Alteration of livestock or poultry for breed or show standards
Pet owners who abandon their animals could be charged with a misdemeanor, according to state law.
In Charlotte, those found in violation of any animal cruelty laws can have their animals confiscated by law enforcement, according to city laws.
How to report animal abuse in Charlotte
If you suspect that an animal is being abused or neglected, you can contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care & Control Unit by calling 311.
When a call for service is placed, an animal control officer will come out and ensure the animal is:
Being fed appropriately
Has access to fresh water
Has adequate shelter
The animal is in a tether or kennel in compliance with city and county laws
The animal is not wounded
Law enforcement officials will also make an attempt to contact pet owners in violation and take appropriate action if necessary.
Allegations of animal cruelty can also be reported to the N.C. Attorney General’s Animal Welfare Hotline at 1-855-290-6915.
If the attorney general’s office determines that your report is valid, officials will refer your complaint to the appropriate authority.
This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 12:21 PM.
