Investigations & Rescues
The Society’s humane investigators perform a range of services from conducting animal rescues to investigating neglect. In addition, we enforce Hawaii's animal cruelty laws and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
With a team on duty all day and every day, these officers respond to more than 10,000 calls for service every year. All calls for service are responded to based upon their priority level.
The top priority is always a situation in which the animal or the community is in danger.
The Hawaiian Humane Society has also partnered with CrimeStoppers Honolulu, Inc. to encourage the community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the fight against animal crimes. Click here to see CrimeStopper alerts.
Barking Dog Complaints
It’s against City & County of Honolulu law for a dog to bark constantly for 10 minutes or 30 minutes on and off to the disturbance of others. The Humane Society helps to resolve complaints by working with pet owners on how to remedy the situation. Quiet neighborhoods are important for all. Unresolved, persistent barking can lead to fines and court appearances. Complainants must be willing to complete a statement form and be willing to appear in court to serve as witness to the violation.
If education or neighbor-to-neighbor communication does not resolve the problem, there are other community resources available such as The Mediation Center of The Pacific, 521-6767, www.mediatehawaii.org.
Click here for a brochure on barking reasons and resolution.
Citronella collars can be purchased or rented from the Humane Society. Call 356-2218 for information.
Cruelty
If you suspect an animal is being abused, please call us immediately at 356-2250. A humane investigator will be dispatched to check on the animal and take necessary steps to ensure the animal's well being. Those cited for animal cruelty face a mandatory court appearance and, if found guilty, a maximum fine of $2,000 and/or one year in jail.
Neglect
If you suspect an animal is not being provided with adequate food, water or shelter, please call us at 356-2250. A humane investigator will be dispatched to check on the animal's condition and take necessary steps to ensure the animal's well being. In many cases, educating the pet owner about proper care of the animal will help alleviate the problem. An investigator will follow up to make sure the animal is being well cared for, and if not, will issue a citation for cruelty to animals. Those cited for animal cruelty face a mandatory court appearance and, if found guilty, a maximum fine of $2,000 and/or one year in jail. Click here to read the law (711-1109), and for the balance of the law, click here (711-1109.3).
Rescue
Humane investigators are available 24 hours a day to rescue an animal in distress. Call us at 356-2250 with information about the animal's location and condition. We will provide medication to relieve the animal's pain and try to locate its owner.
