Toll-Free Animal Abuse Hotline Launched In Pa.

Pennsylvania animal rescue officials hope a new toll-free hot line will make it easier for those who witness abuse of animals to get help.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals plans to officially launch its statewide toll-free line on Feb. 1. But Executive Director Howard Nelson says calls to the line are already being answered. The number is 1-866-601-SPCA.

The nonprofit PSPCA is based in Philadelphia, with six satellite facilities across the state and a staff of 14 law enforcement agents with authority to enforce animal cruelty laws.

Nelson says abuse cases have been increasing. The group responded to 8,000 calls last year, up from 6,000 in 2006.

I am so happy to hear that another state has begun using a hotline. New Mexico is the other state I know of that has this other way of helping animals. I know of many times where I could have called a number to talk to someone who specifically takes calls about animal cruelty. I have had to basically harass the police to get them to do anything about animal cruelty here. New Mexico's Animal Cruelty Hotline is 888-260-2178.