Humane Department
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Animal Charity is the only humane society in Mahoning County. We receive no government funding. Our single Humane Agent covers all 423 square miles of Mahoning County.
In 2021 our ONLY Humane Agent logged 7,800 miles saving and being a voice for Mahoning County’s companion animals. There were a total of 704 physical calls completed and from those calls, 529 companion animals were given a second chance for a new life. Sadly, for 16 companion animals it was too late, they were already deceased from their abuse/neglect.
6 cases resulted in misdemeanor convictions.
2 cases resulted in felony convictions and jail time.
5 misdemeanor charges are still pending along with 5 felony charges.
Our humane agent is available to all police departments in Mahoning County when they suspect abuse, abandonment or neglect. She is available to them 24/7.
Animal Charity is not government funded and relies on donations to operate. Please consider donating so Animal Charity can continue to be a voice for Mahoning County’s companion animals.
Humane societies are governed by ORC 1717 which can be found here.
If you feel that there is a companion animal that is being neglected or abused please report it. You can call us at 330-788-1064 ext 17. You can email us at ACOhumanedepartment@gmail.com. You can also fill out the below form below. Please note we MUST have a physical address in the report. If you can not find the house number please list the house numbers on either side. All reports will be investigated but having the proper address is required.
In 2021 our ONLY Humane Agent logged 7,800 miles saving and being a voice for Mahoning County’s companion animals. There were a total of 704 physical calls completed and from those calls, 529 companion animals were given a second chance for a new life. Sadly, for 16 companion animals it was too late, they were already deceased from their abuse/neglect.
6 cases resulted in misdemeanor convictions.
2 cases resulted in felony convictions and jail time.
5 misdemeanor charges are still pending along with 5 felony charges.
Our humane agent is available to all police departments in Mahoning County when they suspect abuse, abandonment or neglect. She is available to them 24/7.
Animal Charity is not government funded and relies on donations to operate. Please consider donating so Animal Charity can continue to be a voice for Mahoning County’s companion animals.
Humane societies are governed by ORC 1717 which can be found here.
If you feel that there is a companion animal that is being neglected or abused please report it. You can call us at 330-788-1064 ext 17. You can email us at ACOhumanedepartment@gmail.com. You can also fill out the below form below. Please note we MUST have a physical address in the report. If you can not find the house number please list the house numbers on either side. All reports will be investigated but having the proper address is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
General:
Is Animal Charity a government agency?
No, We are a 501C3 Non profit agency that is not funded or controlled by any government agency or national organization.
How is Animal Charity funded?
Our primary source of funding is through donations made by people who recognize the importance of the services we provide. Contributions from individuals, corporate support, and bequests help keep our doors open every day. Our non profit vet clinic does provide some financial support however we try to keep our prices as affordable as possible to help families afford to provide their animals with excellent medical care.
How will my donation be used?
Tax-deductible contributions to our agency help us pay for vaccines, and medical supplies, caretakers to take care of the animals on a daily basis and to keep the lights on every day. Your donation enables us to assist nearly 700 animals a year, to find homes for animals, to prosecute animal offenders, to provide affordable vet services, and to educate our community on the proper care of animals.
Is Animal Charity a ‘No-Kill’ shelter?
Animal Charity is an unlimited stay humane society that accepts animals-in-need, regardless of their health, temperament, age, or condition. Healthy, friendly animals and animals with illnesses and injuries who can be humanely treated will stay in our care for as long as it takes to find them a new home. We do not have prescribed time limits and we do not euthanize healthy, friendly animals, or animals who we can treat, to make space for new animals. However, animals suffering from illnesses or injuries that we can’t treat, some animals with infectious diseases, or animals who display aggressive behavior and are unsafe to rehome may be euthanized. We do not use the ‘no-kill’ terminology as we’ve found many people define it differently, to include never euthanizing any animal regardless of their suffering, health, or aggression.
Does Animal Charity work with local rescue groups?
Yes. We have established relationships with local breed placement and rescue organizations and are always interested in expanding our cooperative efforts in this area. Because we have a strong adoption program and clients interested in specific breeds, we do not routinely transfer healthy, friendly, purebred, adoptable animals, but deeply value partnership with foster-based groups who can assist with caring for and placing special-needs pets.
Humane:
Who investigates animal cruelty and neglect?
Animal Charity employs Humane Agents who have been certified through the State of Ohio and appointed by the court to enforce Ohio animal protection laws (ORC 959). They are appointed by Mahoning County’s Probate Court. We respond to 1,000+ calls a year and our services are supported entirely through donations/fundraising.
What is the difference between the Humane Society and the Dog Warden?
The Dog warden handles the following types of calls: Dogs Running at Large (Strays), Dog License and rabies vaccination enforcement, Nuisance/Dangerous/Vicious dogs as it relates to O.R.C, Injured Stray dogs, Bite cases of Stray dogs(owned dogs by request), Lost & Found dogs. The County dog warden is funded via sales of dog licenses.
The Humane Society handles: Complaints of animals being abused, starved, abandoned (when the animal is confined to a property), exposed to the elements, or in need of veterinary treatment, hoarding cases involving companion animals.
I’ve found a stray dog. Can you pick it up/can I drop it off ?
Animal Charity does not take stray dogs at this time. By law you must notify the Dog Warden of any stray. If it is during business hours call the Mahoning County Dog Pound. If it is after hours you may call local police or if you are able, hold on to the dog until the next business day and call the dog warden at that time. .
My neighbors moved out and left their animal behind. What should I do?
You can report it to Animal Charity at 330-788-1064 or via our contact form on our website. Our Humane agent will come out evaluate the situation and post a notice for contact. If contact from the home owners isn’t made we will pursue legal means to get the animals out of the home.
Cant you just break the window/door and take them?
No that would be a violation of the law. If we need to enter a residence and the owner is not there to give permission we must obtain a search warrant.
There are stray cats living in my neighborhood. Will you come get them?
At this time Animal Charity does not take stray cats. We recommend that you participate in a TNR (trap neuter return) program and stop the cycle of reproduction. Both Animal Charity and Angels for Animals have programs that can help you get them fixed at affordable prices. There are local cat rescues that may be able to help you but please be aware that there is no agency that will take stray cats and “promise” to not euthanize them. Stray cats are a community problem that can be improved through spay/neuter.
I’ve heard Youngstown has a tethering law. Do you enforce that law?
At this time we do not enforce the City of Youngstown’s tethering ordinance. Please contact the Youngstown Police Department for any tethering concerns.
Can I surrender my pet to Animal Charity?
We do not accept owner surrenders at this time. We recommend contacting local rescues for assistance.
I have a problem with wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, bunny’s etc? Who do I call?
We recommend visiting Ohio Department of Natural Resources web Page and following their advice.
The easiest way to remember what your humane society does versus the dog warden is simple. Humane Societies protect animals from people, and the Dog Warden protects people from animals.
Is Animal Charity a government agency?
No, We are a 501C3 Non profit agency that is not funded or controlled by any government agency or national organization.
How is Animal Charity funded?
Our primary source of funding is through donations made by people who recognize the importance of the services we provide. Contributions from individuals, corporate support, and bequests help keep our doors open every day. Our non profit vet clinic does provide some financial support however we try to keep our prices as affordable as possible to help families afford to provide their animals with excellent medical care.
How will my donation be used?
Tax-deductible contributions to our agency help us pay for vaccines, and medical supplies, caretakers to take care of the animals on a daily basis and to keep the lights on every day. Your donation enables us to assist nearly 700 animals a year, to find homes for animals, to prosecute animal offenders, to provide affordable vet services, and to educate our community on the proper care of animals.
Is Animal Charity a ‘No-Kill’ shelter?
Animal Charity is an unlimited stay humane society that accepts animals-in-need, regardless of their health, temperament, age, or condition. Healthy, friendly animals and animals with illnesses and injuries who can be humanely treated will stay in our care for as long as it takes to find them a new home. We do not have prescribed time limits and we do not euthanize healthy, friendly animals, or animals who we can treat, to make space for new animals. However, animals suffering from illnesses or injuries that we can’t treat, some animals with infectious diseases, or animals who display aggressive behavior and are unsafe to rehome may be euthanized. We do not use the ‘no-kill’ terminology as we’ve found many people define it differently, to include never euthanizing any animal regardless of their suffering, health, or aggression.
Does Animal Charity work with local rescue groups?
Yes. We have established relationships with local breed placement and rescue organizations and are always interested in expanding our cooperative efforts in this area. Because we have a strong adoption program and clients interested in specific breeds, we do not routinely transfer healthy, friendly, purebred, adoptable animals, but deeply value partnership with foster-based groups who can assist with caring for and placing special-needs pets.
Humane:
Who investigates animal cruelty and neglect?
Animal Charity employs Humane Agents who have been certified through the State of Ohio and appointed by the court to enforce Ohio animal protection laws (ORC 959). They are appointed by Mahoning County’s Probate Court. We respond to 1,000+ calls a year and our services are supported entirely through donations/fundraising.
What is the difference between the Humane Society and the Dog Warden?
The Dog warden handles the following types of calls: Dogs Running at Large (Strays), Dog License and rabies vaccination enforcement, Nuisance/Dangerous/Vicious dogs as it relates to O.R.C, Injured Stray dogs, Bite cases of Stray dogs(owned dogs by request), Lost & Found dogs. The County dog warden is funded via sales of dog licenses.
The Humane Society handles: Complaints of animals being abused, starved, abandoned (when the animal is confined to a property), exposed to the elements, or in need of veterinary treatment, hoarding cases involving companion animals.
I’ve found a stray dog. Can you pick it up/can I drop it off ?
Animal Charity does not take stray dogs at this time. By law you must notify the Dog Warden of any stray. If it is during business hours call the Mahoning County Dog Pound. If it is after hours you may call local police or if you are able, hold on to the dog until the next business day and call the dog warden at that time. .
My neighbors moved out and left their animal behind. What should I do?
You can report it to Animal Charity at 330-788-1064 or via our contact form on our website. Our Humane agent will come out evaluate the situation and post a notice for contact. If contact from the home owners isn’t made we will pursue legal means to get the animals out of the home.
Cant you just break the window/door and take them?
No that would be a violation of the law. If we need to enter a residence and the owner is not there to give permission we must obtain a search warrant.
There are stray cats living in my neighborhood. Will you come get them?
At this time Animal Charity does not take stray cats. We recommend that you participate in a TNR (trap neuter return) program and stop the cycle of reproduction. Both Animal Charity and Angels for Animals have programs that can help you get them fixed at affordable prices. There are local cat rescues that may be able to help you but please be aware that there is no agency that will take stray cats and “promise” to not euthanize them. Stray cats are a community problem that can be improved through spay/neuter.
I’ve heard Youngstown has a tethering law. Do you enforce that law?
At this time we do not enforce the City of Youngstown’s tethering ordinance. Please contact the Youngstown Police Department for any tethering concerns.
Can I surrender my pet to Animal Charity?
We do not accept owner surrenders at this time. We recommend contacting local rescues for assistance.
I have a problem with wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, bunny’s etc? Who do I call?
We recommend visiting Ohio Department of Natural Resources web Page and following their advice.
The easiest way to remember what your humane society does versus the dog warden is simple. Humane Societies protect animals from people, and the Dog Warden protects people from animals.