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
A dog owner is in violation of the City & County of Honolulu's animal nuisance law when their dog barks intermittently for 30 minutes or constantly for 10 minutes to the disturbance of others.
The Humane Society initially responds with a letter advising that a complaint has been made and includes educational materials on why dogs bark and measures that the owner can take to alleviate the barking. Additional complaints can results with an investigator visiting the complainant and the dog owner to resolve the problem. Fines can escalate up to $1,000.
While each case varies, successful resolution of these complaints require that the complainant complete a statement form and be willing to appear in court as they serve as the 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. Educating dog owners is more important then ever as 40 percent of households on Oahu now include at least one dog.
While barking is a natural form of canine communication, excessive barking can be due to prolonged confinement, loneliness or boredom. Dogs that aren't exercised enough often bark to release tension. Click here for more information.
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.
