The Santa Barbara Humane Society, in cooperation with County Animal Services and Santa Barbara City Animal Control, investigates cases of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. The Humane Society's Humane Officer provides services to the citizens of Santa Barbara County under State Penal Code 597. County Animal Services and Santa Barbara City Animal Control enforce all local and state laws pertaining to the care and treatment of animals as reported by members of the public and partner agencies, including other law enforcement agencies, health departments, code enforcement, and social service agencies. A large number of the situations investigated by the Humane Officer are resolved through educating the owner about how to properly care for the animal. When appropriate, charges are filed with the District Attorney.

All reports of cruelty to animals are taken seriously by the Santa Barbara Humane Society. To report a suspected case of animal neglect, animal cruelty, animal abandonment, or concerns regarding the welfare of an animal in the Santa Barbara area, please contact our Humane Investigations Department at (805) 964-4777, ext. 18. Please be prepared to provide the street address and zip code of the property where the animal is located. All calls are confidential. Our staff may ask for your name in case the Humane Officer is currently on a call so that the Humane Officer can contact you directly about the case.