How to Report Animal Cruelty in Indianapolis

When to Report

Indianapolis ordinances and Indiana state laws protect domestic and community animals from intentional harm, severe neglect, and abandonment. File an official report if you observe:

• Direct Physical Violence: Intentional kicking, hitting, shooting, or using weapons against community or pet animals.

• Suspected Poisoning: Multiple cats in a localized colony suddenly falling violently ill or dying with signs of toxicity.

• Illegal Trapping & Abandonment: Trapping community cats to relocate, dump, or abandon them away from their established colony territory (which violates local ordinances).

• Severe Deprivation & Neglect: Animals left without necessary food, water, or basic protection from extreme weather conditions.

• Active Threats or Harassment: Direct, verbal, or documented threats by neighbors to exterminate, harm, or unlawfully remove an established colony.

What Information to Document

Clear, objective evidence helps Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and law enforcement take swift legal action:

• Exact Location & Time: Specific street addresses, cross streets, apartment numbers, dates, and timestamps.

• Visual Evidence: Clear photos or video recordings of the incident, injuries, property conditions, traps, or suspected substances (photographed safely without trespassing).

• Detailed Descriptions: Descriptions of the individuals involved, vehicle makes, models, license plate numbers, or exact behaviors observed.

• Colony & Medical History: Documentation of the affected cats (ear-tips, microchips, veterinary care records, or caregiver logs).

Who Can Report?

Anyone can file a report. Caregivers, neighbors, property owners, postal workers, and passersby have the legal right to report suspected animal abuse.

Reports can be submitted anonymously if you fear retaliation, though providing your contact information allows investigating officers to follow up for witness testimony or critical evidence.

How to Report in Indianapolis / Marion County

• Active, In-Progress Emergencies (Immediate Danger):

  • Call 911 or the IMPD Non-Emergency Dispatch at 317-327-3811.

  • Request an immediate police dispatch alongside Animal Care Services for active violence or immediate threats.

• Standard Abuse, Neglect, & Non-Emergency Investigation:

  • Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS): Call 317-327-4PETS (4738).

  • Mayor’s Action Center / RequestIndy: Submit an official case online via RequestIndy or by calling 317-327-4622 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM). Instructions on how to submit a request can be found in the Quick Links below.

• Colony Advocacy & Caregiver Support:

  • Indy Neighborhood Cats (INC): Reach out via phone at 317-909-0193 or email info@indyneighborhoodcats.org.

  • Note: While INC does not have legal enforcement powers, our team works closely alongside IACS and community partners to guide caregivers through ordinance compliance, documentation, and colony safety plans.