Humane Investigations

If you suspect or have witnessed incidents of possible animal abuse or neglect, your first step is to call local law enforcement.

If you believe a situation involving an animal is in violation of the law, please file your complaint with the law enforcement agency that serves the town where the animal is residing. Usually this will be a municipal police department or the Vermont State Police.  We will work with the law enforcement agency to provide support and care for the animals if requested.  We do NOT have the authority to investigate complaints or remove animals from a home.

Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors from neglect to malicious harm. Most cases of cruelty are unintentional neglect that can be resolved through educating owners and providing some resources. Homeward Bound is proud to partner with Addison County law enforcement agencies to address instances of animal neglect and cruelty.

Intentional cruelty or abuse is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care; or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

The state of Vermont has specific definitions of animal cruelty, as well as a process for reporting incidents. Information about Vermont’s animal cruelty laws include:

• VT statutes: Title 13, Chapter 8 Humane and Proper Treatment of Animals
• VT Statutes: Title 13, Chapter 9 Animals

If you believe a situation involving an animal is in violation of the law, please file your complaint with the law enforcement agency that serves the town where the animal is residing. Usually this will be a municipal police department, Sheriff’s Office, or the Vermont State Police. We will work with the law enforcement agency to provide support and care for the animals if requested.  You may also call, or law enforcement may request you to call your local Animal Control Officer (ACO).  Here is a current list 2024 ACO list.xls  (April 2024) of Addison County animal control officers.

• Addison County Sheriff’s Department: 802-388-2981
• Vermont State Police Department:  802-388-4919
• Middlebury Police Department: 388-3191
• Vergennes Police Department: 877-2201
• Bristol Police Department: 453-2533

Contact Details

236 Boardman Street
Middlebury, VT 05753