COMPLAINT or REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION

Generally, violations of the Calcasieu Parish and City of Lake Charles Ordinances do not occur when an Animal Services Officer is present.  For an Animal Services Officer to take an action regarding a violation, either the officer or someone else must witness the incident(s).

This Complaint or Statement, when completed by a witness, provides the documentation necessary for an action to be taken.  It establishes probable cause for an officer to believe that a violation took place, who was involved, and the nature of the violation.  This statement form is essential for an Animal Services  representative to pursue further action in reference to the violations you have described.  For Animal Services to efficiently respond to your needs, we ask that you review and carefully complete this statement to the best of your knowledge.

Thank you.

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TELL US ABOUT YOU!

This portion needs to be completed by you, and about you.  We need to know your full name, address, and various other information.  Please print neatly or type and review the completed form to ensure that all information in included and correct.  *We do accept anonymous calls and statements on suspected cruelty to animal complaints.  However, unless the Animal Services Representative witnesses the cruelty or cruel conditions it limits what our Agency can do.  Without complainant information we are unable to contact you for additional information during the investigation. (This information remains confidential unless a case goes to court and a defendant's attorney requests for the case records.)

Last Name
First Name

MI
Street
City
State
ZIP
Home Phone
Work Phone
Pager
Email

TELL US ABOUT THE ANIMAL OWNER.

We need you to record as much information about the animal owner as you know.  Don't guess, be certain.  If there is some information that you do not know, simply write "unknown".  The information most needed is the animal owner's address and directions to the location.  If you are uncertain about the owner's information, of if the animal even has an owner, speak with your neighbors to be sure.

Animal Owner's Last Name

First Name

MI

Street

City

State

ZIP

Home Phone

Work Phone

Directions to Location

*When is the owner normally home?

WHAT DOES THE ANIMAL(S) LOOK LIKE?

To take action, Animal Services needs to be as certain as possible that we are dealing with the correct animal(s).  Please record as much and as accurate a description of each animal as possible.  Only list animals that are involved in the specific incident you are completing the statement for.  Here's some basic rules:

  • Breed is for species as well as the animal's specific breed.  i.e. there is no such breed as "Mix"...Dogs are a LabX, CollieX, TerrierX, ChowX, etc.
  • Color.  Indicate the dominant color first, then all the other colors.

Breed

Color
Male  Female

Name
  

Breed

Color
Male  Female

Name
  

Breed

Color
Male  Female

Name
  
Breed
Color
Male  Female

Name

If you are uncertain about the animal or it's description, be sure that you talk to your neighbors.  Incorrect information damages everyone's credibility if the case were to be challenged in court.

WHEN & WHERE DID IT HAPPEN?

This is where you tell your story.  Please fill in all blanks with EXACT time, date, and location, based on what you observed.  Without this information, Animal Services may not be able to pursue further action.  Here's some examples:

  • Location: In street in front of 1212 Any Street or In my front yard at 2121 New Street
  • Time: 1:30 pm
Location of Incident
Date of Incident (Exact Date)
Time of Incident (Exact Time)

TELL US WHAT HAPPENED (In your own words)

In this section you will write a brief story of what happened, based on the information you gave about When and Where it happened, and what you observed.  Only write about the most recent occurrence.  Previous occurrences are not relevant.  DO NOT write about hearsay or other conflicts there have been with the animal owner.  Hearsay is what you have heard from other people, not what you have observed, and is not admissible in court.