The Animal Welfare Division (AWD) is dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the city by enforcing state and local animal welfare laws and ordinances. We investigate complaints of animal abuse, dog fighting, unlawful killing, and abandonment. We also follow up on complaints of animals kept without adequate food, water, and shelter, as well as animals kept on short or entangled tethers.
Report Animal Cruelty
Citizens observing animal cruelty or neglect situations should contact the AWD directly at 757-595-7387. In order to ensure a complaint is properly investigated, citizens should attempt to obtain the exact address of the location where the incident is taking place. If the address is not visible, cross streets or the addresses on either side of the location should be obtained.