Overview
- Federal authorities announced the new FBI tip line and $5,000 reward to support prosecutions under the PACT Act, with the move publicized on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
- Officials ask tipsters to email LA-AnimalCrimesTipline@ic.fbi.gov with photographs or video plus dates, times, locations and descriptions that can be used as evidence in court.
- The Animal Abuse Task Force, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will review tips and coordinate investigations with the FBI, USDA OIG, the Los Angeles County district attorney, LAPD and city animal control.
- Advocates cite a surge of severe cases on Skid Row — including reports of animals used to test drugs and injuries from abuse — and Los Angeles Animal Services reported 2,172 shelter euthanasias through May 2026, a 33% rise from the prior year.
- The PACT Act criminalizes extreme animal torture and 'animal crushing' content and carries penalties of up to seven years in federal prison, so the federal effort could lead to more coordinated prosecutions where local responders have not acted.