
Report Animal Cruelty and Suffering
You are their voice, so please speak up!
Our Role in the Community
The Humane Society of Saginaw County is an independent, volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization. While we work closely with our community, it is important to distinguish our services from the government-funded Saginaw County Animal Care and Control (SCACC).
When to call HSoSC at (989) 501-8672: We are your primary contact for the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured, or abandoned animals. We provide a bridge from the streets to a healthy life through medical treatment and foster care.
When to call SCACC at (989) 797-4500: SCACC holds the legal custodial responsibility for stray animals and the enforcement of animal cruelty laws.
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To report abuse: Contact SCACC directly. If you are met with an emergency after hours, contact your local police or reach out to "Central Dispatch" via the SCACC voicemail system.
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Building a Case: Justice for animals requires solid evidence. When reporting, please provide precise addresses, detailed descriptions, and any photo or video documentation you have gathered.
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The "Spot the Signs" Guide (Best for Education)
Defining Animal Cruelty: Knowing When to Speak Up Most animal cruelty isn’t a single act of violence—it is the quiet, ongoing suffering of neglect. While direct abuse is easier to identify, neglect is often a "slow-motion" crisis. Use the categories below to help identify and document animals in need.
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Neglect (Failure to Provide): This is the most common form of cruelty. It includes a lack of food, water, or basic veterinary care.
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Direct Physical Abuse: Any instance of beating, kicking, or physically attacking an animal requires immediate reporting.
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Abandonment: This is a life-threatening emergency. We see many animals left behind in vacated homes or apartments. If a neighbor moves out and leaves a pet, or if an owner passes away leaving caged animals behind, they need intervention immediately.
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Inadequate Shelter: Animals must be protected from extreme heat and cold. If you see an animal struggling in the elements, please take a photo with your cell phone to provide evidence for the investigator.
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Medical Red Flags: Look for untreated wounds, extreme thinness (emaciation), scabs, significant hair loss, limping, or visible displays of pain.
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Hoarding: When a person houses more animals than they can adequately care for, it often leads to severe, collective neglect.
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High-Risk Situations: This includes pets left in parked cars during warm weather and any signs of organized animal fighting.




