Humane Law Enforcement

If you see it, report it. You could save a life.

Our Humane Law Enforcement Team maintains an SPCA designation and is charged with investigating and enforcing the animal cruelty laws of New York State. Each county can only have one organization with an SPCA designation. Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York holds this designation for Cayuga county.


Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York’s Humane Investigators are highly experienced and trained, sworn personnel. Acting under the authority of New York State law, they may exercise the powers of a peace officer while investigating animal cruelty.


Our officers have authority similar to the police. They must work within the guidelines dictated under NYS Criminal Procedure Law and the state and federal constitutions.

Calico cat with two kittens sit outside on a rooftop looking at the camera.

Working within the Confines of the Law

Our Humane Law Enforcement officers must work within the confines of the law. Evidence and statements must be collected and presented in court. At times, court cases may take months or years to finalize. Animal cruelty laws often carry fines and/or jail time, but evidence can be difficult to collect without the help of community members advocating for animals in their neighborhoods. This is why Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York’s team works so diligently to strengthen laws and sentencing for animal cruelty violations.
Black outline of a police badge with a star in the middle.

Is Humane Law Enforcement a municipality?

Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York’s Humane Law Enforcement is not a government organization and is not associated with any federal, state, or local government. The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York is an independent, non profit animal welfare organization that does not receive funding from any federal, state, or local government agency outside of grant opportunities. Financial support for the organization’s humane programs are provided solely by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants.


Municipal shelters provide separate services and work with funding from the local government. Animal/dog control officers are a part of these local municipalities who aid in cases of roaming animals and wildlife. Animal/dog control officers DO NOT have the authority to make arrests.

What Other Types of Offices Service Animals?

  • Animal Control

    Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York’s Humane Law Enforcement may sometimes be mistakenly confused with animal control personnel. Animal control personnel are local authorities that are charged with enforcing laws related to the control and impoundment of animals and nuisance wildlife. They are a great resource to call if you spot a stray animal, have difficulties with a neighbor’s pet, or have challenges with wildlife surrounding your property.


    Go to your township’s website to find the contact information for Animal Control for your area. Animal Control | Cayuga County, NY

  • Department of Conservation (DEC)

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency. DEC is headed by a commissioner, who is assisted by executive managers. The department has 24 divisions and offices and is further organized into bureaus to fulfill the functions and regulations established by Title 6 of New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR). Some programs are also

    DEC’s Central Office is in Albany. Each of DEC’s nine regions has an office that serves the communities within that region. A total of approximately 3,000 DEC staff work in either the Central Office or a regional office.

Reporting Cruelty or Neglect

Stop animal cruelty crimes when you see them by contacting:

  • If it’s an emergency:

    Call 911 or contact:

    • New York State Police – Auburn: (315) 255-2766
    • New York State Police – Wolcott: (315) 594-8071
    • Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office: (315) 253-1222
    • Auburn Police Department: (315) 253-3231

  • To file a non-emergency complaint:

    Include the following:

    • Date(s) of incident
    • Your name & contact info (kept confidential)
    • Exact address of suspected abuse
    • Name of the person (if known)
    • Detailed description of the situation
    • Any supporting photos or details

    We review each report carefully. If more information is needed, we may contact you directly.

  • What are some examples of neglect?

    • A tight collar causing injury
    • Untreated wounds or illnesses
    • Extremely thin or emaciated animals
    • Animal tied up outside without adequate food or water
    • Unsanitary living conditions
    • Hoarding numerous animals
    • Animals left alone in a car during extreme weather
    • Injuries, especially to more than one locations on the body or at different stages of healing
    • A changing story on how injuries occur
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Animal Protection Laws

Most of New York state laws protecting animals are primarily contained in Article 26 of New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law (§ 331 – 379). This also contains other provisions related to the treatment of animals as well as regulations for animal-involved businesses and products derived from animals. Below is a reference guide of the most commonly cited laws protecting animals.


Visit NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.gov for more information.

Animal Fighting Provisions

Prohibits the use of animals for fighting, along with the associated breeding, training, and spectating of fights between animals or an animal and a person. This also prohibits owning or selling fighting paraphernalia such as break sticks and treadmills with the intent to use these objects for training animals to fight.

Confinement of companion animals in vehicles: extreme temperatures

An animal should not be kept in a car during extreme weather conditions without adequate ventilation or airflow that would result in physical danger to the animal. This also gives permission to first responders and humane law officers to remove the animal from unsafe conditions as necessary.

Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals failure to provide proper sustenance

This statute prohibits unjustifiable physical abuse against animals as well as depriving an animal of proper care, food, water, and sustenance, including veterinary care.

Animal Abandonment

An animal is considered abandoned when a person in possession of an animal abandons them without access to continued care, food, or water or leaves the animal in a public place to die.

Aggravated cruelty to animals

A provision of the statute above that includes unjustifiable intent to physically harm or kill an animal. This does not include hunting or defending against an animal attack.

Failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animal

When an animal is confined, they should be provided with food and water.

Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors

Dogs left outdoors must have proper shelter from the weather and other environmental elements.

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Help Protect Animals

You can help to improve laws in our state by getting involved. Without the help of strict laws, Finger lakes SPCA of Central New York and other organizations would not be able to prosecute those charged with animal cruelty. By advocating to local government officials, you can show your support for animals in need.


The New York State Animal Protection Federation is a great way to advocate for animal rights NYSAPF – The advocacy voice of NY's animal shelters