Protecting Animals, Protecting People
Affected by abuse?
Only use websites or email if it is safe for you to do so. Quick exit does not clear your browsing history.
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need the police but cannot speak on a mobile 999 call, listen to the operator and press 55 when prompted. Pressing 55 does not let the police track your location.
Support for people
Contact the service that best matches the help you need.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Run by Refuge
If you, or someone you care about, could be experiencing domestic abuse, call ...
Available 24 hours a day.
NSPCC Helpline
Concerns about a child
Advice and support if you are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing.
Telephone: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Email: 11am to 4pm daily. Emails sent outside these hours are not received.
Men’s Advice Line
Run by Respect
Free, confidential support for men experiencing domestic abuse and those supporting them.
Telephone: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
Webchat: Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am, through the service website.
Galop
LGBT+ anti-abuse support
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, and those concerned about them.
Check the service website for current opening hours.
Samaritans
Someone to talk to
A safe place to talk about whatever is troubling you, without judgement.
Free to call, day or night, 365 days a year.
Crimestoppers
Give crime information anonymously
Give information about crime anonymously by telephone or online.
Available 24 hours a day.
Crimestoppers is not an emergency service.
Report animal welfare concerns
Choose the service for the area where the animal is located.
RSPCA
England and Wales
Report concerns about cruelty to or neglect of animals in England and Wales.
Check the service website for current reporting guidance.
Scottish SPCA
Scotland
Report concerns about animal cruelty or neglect in Scotland.
Helpline: 9am to 5pm, every day.
Vetlife
Support for the veterinary communityIndependent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including veterinary nurses, students and non-clinical staff. Check the service website for current reporting guidance.Northern Ireland: who to contact
The correct reporting route depends on the type of animal and the concern.
Local council animal welfare
Northern Ireland: pets and equines
Contact the relevant council about domestic pets, horses, donkeys and other non-farmed animals.
Use the official directory to find your local animal welfare team.
DAERA
Northern Ireland: farmed animals
Contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs about farmed-animal welfare.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
At weekends, contact a local private veterinary practice or police station for referral to the on-call officer.
Police Service of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland: wildlife crime and animal fighting
Report suspected wildlife crime, animal fighting or other criminal activity involving animals.
Non-emergency reporting. In an emergency, call 999.
Need help caring for a pet while finding safety?
Find animal, and specialist domestic abuse animal fostering services through our pet fostering directory.
