You can help save pets through the animal welfare hotline

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — If you see someone abusing animals, you now have another way to help them.

A North Carolina Attorney General’s Office news release said the North Carolina Attorney General’s Animal Welfare Hotline got up and running today. You can submit reports about individuals, pet shops, kennels and animal shelters via phone, email or mail.

“As a pet owner, I understand how important it is that our animal companions get the care they need,” Roy Cooper said. “I encourage North Carolinians to use this new tool if they have information to report about animals being harmed.”

To file a report with the Animal Welfare Hotline:

Visit ncdoj.gov and complete the online animal welfare complaint form.

Call 1 (855) 290-6915 toll-free within North Carolina.

Submit a complaint by mail to: P.O. Box 629, Attention: Animal Welfare Hotline, Raleigh, NC 27602

State lawmakers created the hotline during the NC General Assembly’s 2015 session. The Attorney General’s Office will review animal welfare complaints. Depending on the details of the complaint, local animal control officials, the local Sheriff, or the N.C. Department of Agriculture might have the authority to take action.