[header] How to take action to stop animal abuse [title] Read local and state cruelty laws. [step] Laws regarding what constitutes animal cruelty and what can be done about it vary between nations, states or provinces, and local governments. Read your federal, regional, and local laws regarding cruelty. 
[substeps] Often, such laws can be found online by searching a central government system. If you cannot find any such laws or regulations, try calling a local legal hotline for information on where to find animal-related policies.