The Monadnock Humane Society's Field Services Department provides animal cruelty investigations throughout Cheshire County. Our Director of Field Services is a certified NH police officer, and appointed as a Special Deputy by the Cheshire County Sheriff.
Our Field Services Director and/or Field Agent will investigate suspected violations of the anti-cruelty statute, RSA 644:8. To read the complete statute, click here. While issues of incessant barking, at-large animals, and similar scenarios are referred the local Animal Control Officer or Police Department, we are happy to discuss any animal-related concerns you may have and provide you with suggestions of how to work on non-cruelty problems.
When we receive a suspected cruelty complaint, we will seek as much information from the complainant as possible so that we can determine the best response approach. We will keep complainants' identities confidential if requested*, but are unable to respond to a complaint if a complainant refuses to leave his or her name and a method of contacting them for follow-up information.
Most of our cruelty investigations do not result in criminal prosecution; most of our calls involve providing education and suggesting resources to animal owners. We seek to work with pet owners to improve the quality of life for their animals and preserve the pet-owner relationship. In cases where owners are not willing or able to make necessary adjustments, we will request they rehome the animal through MHS or another agency. We rarely seize animals on-the-spot, and only in cases where the animal is clearly in imminent danger or an obvious victim of abuse or neglect as defined by law, per RSA 644:8.
Our officers do not routinely call complainants to report the results of our investigations. However, if a complainant wishes to follow up with us, we will gladly fill them in on whatever findings we can share without violating the privacy rights of the animal owners we visit.
MHS cruelty investigators depend on the animal-loving citizens of the region to be our eyes and ears, and to report suspected animal cruelty and neglect. If you believe you have witnessed animal abuse or neglect, or if you have questions about what constitutes either, we encourage you to contact us at (603) 352-9011 extension 123 or report cruelty here.
*In cases where a cruelty investigation results in legal action, including obtaining search and/or arrest warrants, complainant identity may need to be included in official documents which can not be kept confidential.
Wildlife: If you have concerns about a wild animal, please contact NH Fish and Game; the Keene regional office can be reached at (603) 352-9669.
