The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- For Monday's Facebook Story of The Day, many viewers wanted to know how to go about reporting possible animal abuse.
    
KTVO went to the Adair County Humane Society near Kirksville and learned that people should always contact their local law enforcement.

If the abuse is going on within the city limits, the police department should be notified. If it's going on outside the city limits, then you should contact your county sheriff's office.

Adair County Humane Society Manager Missy Decker said people should be on the lookout for signs if they suspect abuse.

“Seeing and making sure they have food and water. If you see the owner mistreats the animal if you personally witnessed it. If the animal has injuries and not having proper veterinarian care, those are things that would provide a phone call to law enforcement." Said Decker. "Also see if the animal has proper shelter and getting out of the elements.”
    
Once a call is made, law enforcement will call animal control to investigate.

If the case involves a breeding or puppy mill, the Missouri Department of Agriculture would be called in. You can contact them at (573) 751-3076 or (573) 751-3377
    
If the problem is not resolved, then the Humane Society of Missouri will be contacted and get involved with the case. You can contact them at (314) 647-8800 or (314) 951-1514.

Missouri also has a state law called the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act which strengthens standards for care and living conditions for dogs in commercial breeding facilities.