Sadly, it is apparent that the city of Yuma’s Animal Control Division is not aware of some specifics regarding animal cruelty and animal neglect. And, along with a shameful disregard for the welfare of animals, they have also displayed dismal customer service. it was my unfortunate duty recently to call Yuma Animal Control regarding a cruelty to animals situation within the city limits. I informed the dispatcher that I needed to report a case of animal cruelty regarding chickens. I explained that the chickens were in a small metal cage, with little shade and no water.at first, the person told me that they only dealt with dogs and cats, and maybe I should call the Arizona Game and Fish Department. when I protested, she transferred me to someone else who was not much better, but did eventually take the necessary information and told me an officer would investigate. it was 24 hours later when I noticed the chickens were still without water and obviously suffering in the intense heat. I called the Yuma Animal Control again and was transferred several times and explained the situation over and over again. Finally I was told an officer would investigate, and this time I asked that the officer contact me. several days passed without being contacted as promised. I fear that this cruelty case was never investigated. several years ago, when animal control services were provided by the Humane Society, I reported a case of an animal chained in the heat with no water, and the Humane Society’s employee responded to the scene within 15 minutes. It’s unfortunate that the animal control services have disintegrated and that the animals are the ones who suffer because of it.Here’s some information that should be helpful to the Yuma Animal Control employees and to animal abusers and neglectors alike: • Animal cruelty is a crime.• Arizona has felony statutes in place for cruelty to animals. There is a maximum $150,000 fine and one-year jail sentence.• Arizona Revised Statute 13-2910 reads, “A person commits cruelty to animals if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjects any animal under the person’s custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment.”• “Animal” means a mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian.• “Cruel neglect” means to fail to provide an animal with necessary food, water or shelter.Janice HellenYuma