Report Animal Cruelty / Stray Animals: (605)394-4132 (Calls are confidential)

Note: Animal Control is available Monday-Friday 8AM - 5PM

Humane Law Enforcement

The goal of all employees at HSBH is to help educate the citizens in and around Rapid City on pet care. The Humane Law Enforcement team is highly dedicated to this goal. We depend on calls received from concerned citizens in order to locate those who need help or education on pet care.

The Humane Society of the Black Hills contracts with Rapid City and Pennington County Governments for Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement. Our officers enforce the Rapid City Codes, Pennington County Ordinances and the State of South Dakota Laws pertaining to domestic animals.

Officers responding to cruelty complaints make every effort to educate offenders before filing for prosecution. Animals, without proper shelter, in need of medical attention, not receiving proper nutrition, and animals abandoned when an owner moves away, are only a small sample of the complaints and cases that are investigated. Education is especially important for cases in which the law has not been broken, but neglect exists through failure to meet an animal's social and physical needs.

The Humane Society Animal Control Officers are trained professionals who respond to animals at large, cruelty and abuse reports, and neglect cases. Officers are sworn in as public officials in order to provide law enforcement services and are certified through the National Animal Control Association.

In 2006 we received nearly 3150 requests to investigate. In addition to enforcing animal cruelty laws, HSBH Officers conduct inspections of facilities requiring Kennels. Our officers will also be present to monitor the use of animals in Rodeos, Circus', Fairs and many other events that use or feature animals.

HSBH Animal Enforcement Department encourages individuals to contact us to request an investigation of animal abuse, neglect, abandonment, hoarding or cruelty. Without the assistance of the public, our mission to prevent cruelty to animals, help animals in need, and prosecute offenders is nearly impossible.

ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL

Outside of Rapid City and Pennington County please contact your local law enforcement.

Our services are provided 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday.  After business hours, please contact your local law enforcement.