09/02/2026
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE WHAT YOU SUSPECT IS NEGLECT OR ABUSE
Since we are all animal lovers, it's important to know what steps to take if we see an animal that we believe may be in a precarious or dangerous situation. Often, folks will reach out to the Mobile SPCA with complaints of this nature, but it's important to remember that the Mobile SPCA does not have a cruelty investigator nor the legal authority to investigate or prosecute such cases, which fall under the jurisdiction of either Animal Control at the municipal shelter that serves the area where the animal is located, or the police/sheriff or other law enforcement officer. While it may feel helpful to vent our frustration on FB, that does nothing to help the animal in possible jeopardy.
Sometimes it feels like the people we ask you to reach out to cannot or will not help but it's important to remember that all city and county personnel, especially those involved in animal welfare, have limits to what they can do. Staff shortages, budget restrictions, legal restraints and of course space shortages, mean that helping every person who contacts them may not result in prompt or what we feel are satisfactory results. That does not mean they don't care or that they are lazy. They simply must work within the confines of the law and their resources.
For those who live in the city limits of Mobile, Alabama, there exists a very helpful service that makes it very easy for anyone to report suspected animal neglect/abuse. Simply dial 311 or 251-208-5311. You can submit a report through the portal: https://www.cityofmobile.gov/311. There's a free mobile app you can download for your phone. Plan to leave clear, detailed information and a photo if you can get one.
If outside city limits, you should contact the correct agency that serves your jurisdiction. Mobile County residents should contact Mobile County Animal Control @ 251-574-3647. Saraland residents should contact the Saraland Animal Shelter @ 251-679-5570 and Prichard/Eight Mile residents should contact Prichard Animal Control @ 251-456-5399. Prichard also has a handy link: https://prichardalcitizenrequests.portal.iworq.net/PRICHARDAL/new-request/700/6607. In addition, please review the appropriate websites associated with the agency you need to contact.
Sometimes it's a long road and takes more than one phone call, more than one report, more than speaking to one person or one entity. But it is up to every one of us who loves animals to speak up when we see things that we feel are wrong.
Again, some people believe that nothing will be done but only by speaking out on behalf of those who have no voices can we at least try to make a difference. Many voices are louder than one. But it all starts with that first contact, another follow up if needed, educating others, proceeding through whatever else is needed including voting with your conscience and for people who care about animal welfare and want to make sure city and county resources go toward the things that hold such a high priority for us.
