POUGHKEEPSIE – Lawmakers have collaborated to make Dutchess County safer for animals. The Dutchess County Legislature’s Animal Welfare and Community Stewardship Committee (AWCS), in partnership with the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, has developed standardized protocols to streamline reporting, strengthen coordination, and ensure suspected animal cruelty is reported promptly to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
A new Animal Cruelty Hotline, made possible with the assistance of Dutchess County Emergency Response and District Attorney Anthony Parisi, went into effect on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as part of a larger plan to create more comprehensive, countywide humane law enforcement operating procedures to strengthen reporting, improve accountability, and protect both animals and people.
“When an animal is suffering, every moment matters,” said AWCS Committee Co-chair and Dutchess County Legislator Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie). “Having spent years in animal rescue, I know that swift intervention can mean the difference between life and death.” Shah, an attorney by trade, noted the extended implications of animal cruelty, saying, “Animal cruelty is also linked to domestic violence and other serious crimes, making early intervention essential to protecting both animals and people. These new countywide protocols will streamline reporting, strengthen coordination among responding agencies, and improve data collection to guide informed decisions and accountability. Our mission is clear: prevent cruelty, end suffering, and build a stronger humane law enforcement system that protects animals and makes our communities safer.” ‘
“Compassion has no party lines; this collaborative bipartisan effort between many facets of County Government shows our deep commitment to ensuring animal abuse is not tolerated,” said AWCS Vice Chair, Legislator Chris Rolison (R-Pawling). “This new reporting line is the first of many steps by this committee to ensure Humane Law does not take a backseat. “
“The Animal Cruelty Hotline will serve as an important resource, giving residents one number to report suspected animal abuse throughout Dutchess County. The calls will be answered 24 hours a day by trained operators,” said Dutchess County Emergency Response Commissioner William Beale. “Animal abuse is a crime – in the event abuse is witnessed or in progress, callers should dial 911.”
Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati has sought to bring the Humane Law Enforcement unit under the jurisdiction of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. His office already handles some law enforcement duties related to animal cruelty, and allowing the sheriff to handle all of the humane law enforcement would further the goals of the AWCS. “As Sheriff, I take animal cruelty very seriously, and I am proud to be part of an initiative that will make reporting it that much easier,” said Imperati. “The initial report is the first step in the investigation, and having a more streamlined process in place will be an enormous help towards continuing to hold the perpetrators of these disturbing crimes accountable.”
Animal CRUELTY EMERGENCIES: Call 911
Residents witnessing animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect involving an immediate threat to an animal’s or person’s safety should call 911.
NON-EMERGENCY REPORTS: Call 845-867-5055
Residents reporting non-emergency animal welfare concerns, suspected violations of humane law or animal cruelty tips should contact this non-emergency hotline.
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