VIPD Reminds Community Animal Cruelty and Neglect Are Crimes

A dog at Humane Society of St. Thomas (File photo)

The VI Police Department (VIPD) takes animal neglect and abuse very seriously. They are criminal offenses and are treated with utmost importance by the police.  This applies to all animals, not only dogs and cats; It includes birds, chickens, horses and farm animals.

Any person who kills, beats, cruelly ill-treats, torments, overloads or otherwise abuses an animal is deemed to have committed a criminal offense, and if caught, will face charges.

If someone witnesses or knows of any cases involving cruelty to animals, call the VIPD Animal Cruelty Unit as soon as possible, or dial 9-1-1.

The VIPD have officers who are trained and ready to respond in both districts. In the St. Thomas/St John District, call 774-2211, or in St. Croix District, call 778-2211. If a person makes a report of alleged animal cruelty, the responding agency is required to investigate.