POUGHKEEPSIE — Starting Nov. 1, residents who suspect an animal is being abused or neglected will have one number to call at any hour.
The new hotline, 845-867-5055, is for non-emergency reports, including cruelty tips and suspected violations of animal welfare laws. Anyone who witnesses cruelty, abuse or neglect that poses an immediate threat to a person should still call 911.
The Dutchess County Legislature’s Animal Welfare and Community Stewardship Committee announced the line on Friday, Oct. 23. It developed the protocols with the county’s Department of Emergency Response, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Operators will answer calls 24 hours a day.
“This will introduce a whole new level of accountability and will make clear the deficiencies in our current systems,” said County Legislator and AWCS co-chair Eric Alexander. “We will have a very robust Humane Law Enforcement and shelter capability in the very near future.
“My wife Marcia and I have rescue dogs, cats, rabbits, and goats,” he added. “This is very meaningful to both of us.” The Legislature established the committee at its June 8 meeting. Town websites in the area, such as Dover’s, direct residents with cruelty complaints other than dogs to the Dutchess County SPCA at 845-452-7722. District Attorney Anthony Parisi made a similar point. “Animal abuse can be a warning sign of other forms of violence, including domestic violence and child abuse,” he said. A centralized process, he added, will help ensure suspected cruelty is promptly reported, properly investigated and prosecuted where warranted.
