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Abandoned Animals

What to do if you believe an animal has been abandoned.


What do I do if I know or believe an animal is abandoned?

If you believe an animal has been abandoned in the City of South Bend , Contact the South Bend Animal Resource Center by calling 311 . Be sure to give the exact address of where the animal is believed to be abandoned and why you believe or know so. 


When is an animal considered abandoned? 

An abandoned animal means that the owner knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly left the animal unattended, without proper food, water, or shelter, for twenty-four (24) hours or more, in or about a building or structure on or about any property.


How will abandoned animals be handled?

Animal Welfare Officers will go to the residence and address the situation. An Animal Welfare Alert will be left at the residence and the owner of the animal must contact us within 24 hours. Officers cannot immediately take an animal on the first visit. 


311 Process Notes

Landlords and property owners who report that an animal is abandoned on their own property , must provide eviction paperwork that is signed and dated by a judge.