Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report animal cruelty?

If you believe that an animal is being abused or neglected, please take action! You may be the animals’ only hope. Click here for more information.

What can I do in reponse to animal cruelty cases in the media?
Sadly, almost every week news media in Florida report on cases of humans cruelly abusing or neglecting animals. We can take some comfort in the fact that these cases attract media attention, and therefore may be taken seriously by police and prosecutors.

Speaking up in defense of animal victims can make a big difference in how cruelty cases are prosecuted. What you can do:

1. Writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper about cases of animal cruelty is an easy way to reach thousands of people, and to put pressure on law enforcement to treat animal cruelty seriously.

2. Call and/or write to the prosecutor handling the case. Explain your concerns and mention the undeniable link between cruelty to animals and other forms of violence. (Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty toward animals are more likely to commit offenses against humans.) Ask that psychological evaluation/counseling be required for the perpetrators. Ask that the suspects, if found guilty, be prohibited from owning animals in the future.

How do you know which prosecutor is handling the case? If you can, call the state attorneys office in your area (click here for a list of Judicial Circuits), or call the clerk of courts in your county to find out the name and title of the attorney assigned to the case. When you call, be prepared with as much information as possible, such as the defendant’s name, and the charge(s) against him or her. If you can’t get the prosecutor’s name or one has not yet been assigned to the case, address your letter to the chief prosecutor in that office.

How can I report cruel treatment of captive animals at a tourist attraction?
ARFF regularly receives complaints from tourists about roadsize zoos, substandard aquariums, alligator farms or other attractions in Florida where animals are suffering from neglect and/or an inadequate environment. You can help:

1. Click here to file a complaint with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the agency with the authority to enforce state wildlife regulations.

2. Share what you witnessed with online rating/review websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor or Google so others don’t make the same mistake! These sites are popular and consistently appear at the top of search results when tourists look for information about local attractions. (Both Yelp and TripAdvisor require users to create a free account, or sign in via Facebook, to post a review.)

3. Please send ARFF a copy of your complaint/review, in addition to any photographs or video you took at the attraction.

Where can I have my pet spayed/neutered?
The following organizations in South Florida offer low cost spay/neuter surgeries (in addition to vaccinations and other services to ensure your pet’s health)

Broward County

  • Broward Animal Care and Adoption – SPOT program (954-359-2231 / website)
  • Humane Society of Broward County (954-463-7729 / website)
  • Animal Aid (754-223-5378 / website)
  • Stray Aid & Rescue (954-816-0799 / website)
  • Pet Aid League (954-463-7729 / website)
  • Cats Exclusive (954-975-8349 / website)
  • DPV Veterinary Hospital (private hospital) (954-989-9879 / website)

Miami-Dade County

  • Miami-Dade Animal Services (305-884-1101 / website)
  • Humane Society of Greater Miami (305-696-0800 / website)
  • The Cat Network (305-255-3482 / website)

Palm Beach County

  • Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control (561-233-7729 / website)
  • Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League (561-686-3663 / website)
  • Pet Haven Rescue, The Spot Bus (855-774-7768 / website)
  • Paws2Help (561-712-1911 / website)
  • Furry Friends Adoption & Clinic (561-747-5311 / website)
Help! The homeowners association is going to trap Muscovy ducks in our community?
We love Muscovy ducks too! Although most people find the ducks fascinating, they do sometimes pose unwelcome challenges. Fortunately, there are humane methods of resolving conflicts. Click here to learn more about Muscovy ducks.

Animal Rights Foundation of Florida
PO Box 39352, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
arff@arff.org

Promoting respect and compassion for animals in Florida has been the mission of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida since 1989.

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.