Officials from the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County have announced the launch of the “ARF Reward Project,” a measure to encourage citizens to report animal abuse in St. Joseph County.
Citizens who witness acts of abuse to animals are requested to call 389-0329 to report the incident. ARF volunteers will document the facts and inform the caller with instructions to contact the local law-enforcement agency to investigate the accusations and file a complaint.
People who report animal abuse may be eligible to collect up to $1,000 from ARF upon arrest and conviction of the person or persons who perpetrate acts of animal cruelty.
ARF officials said getting the attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community and the welfare of animals.