New App Will Allow Reporting of Animal Cruelty

Coming off the heels of yet another case of severe animal abuse in New York State, this time involving dozens of Belgian Malinos dogs found living inside an NYC apartment, a local SPCA has announced an app where people can report animal abuse, and thus combat animal cruelty.

The Belgian Malinos story alleges that nearly 50 of these massive in size dogs were crammed inside a Queens apartment 'likely never going outside' - this according to several sources including People Magazine.

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Putnam County SPCA Announces 'SaferWatch' - Animal Cruelty Reporting App

The Putnam County SPCA has announced a new app to help combat animal cruelty called SaferWatch. The real-time, modern application is classified as a safety and reporting platform. In an effort to protect animals, this partnership with SaferWatch will allow community members to immediately report suspected animal cruelty via a phone application to the agency. Tips can be submitted anonymously or contain contact information, and SaferWatch even has a place where residents can upload photos or videos of suspected cruelty. There is also a notification option where users can receive important updates directly from the SPCA.

SaferWatch empowers communities to take action and protect the voiceless.

In their press release, the Putnam County SPCA indicated that every report submitted through the app will go directly to officers, and the technology utilized 'enables a more efficient process for identifying and investigating animal cruelty, potentially saving lives and deterring future abuse.'

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Putnam County SPCA Animal Cruelty Services

SaferWatch is not the first, or only initiative to combat animal cruelty in Putnam County, as they already operate a 24/7 cruelty hotline where reports can be made directly to SPCA law enforcement officers. Their website includes an animal cruelty registry and resources for those who many need them. Chief Ken Ross from the Putnam County SPCA shared the following:

We are happy to provide, in addition to our 24/7 telephone hotline, an additional means to report animal cruelty in Putnam County. An easy-to-use app with a proven track record will allow users to report suspected animal cruelty, upload pictures directly to us, and allow us to send notifications of importance to users.

In addition to being a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, the Putnam County SPCA is also a law enforcement agency 'dedicated to enforcing animal cruelty laws and protecting animals throughout Putnam County' and operate under the slogan 'The Rescue Happens Before The Shelter.'