South Suburban Humane Society is one of the few animal shelters in the Chicagoland area to operate a cruelty investigations program.  The investigators are licensed by the State of Illinois to enforce the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act.  In 2010, our investigators handled approximately 2,500 cases improving the lives of between 2,000 and 2,500 animals.  They cover a 30-square-mile radius to help these animals have better lives.

In the process of their investigations, some of the services and/or outreach activities our investigators have provided include:

Donations of  straw for bedding, for dogs that must spend time outside. Please be aware there are ordinances in Cook County that prevent dogs from living tethered outdoors if there is a wind chill advisory or storm conditions. 
Donations of food, collars and leashes to owners
Offered low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations and ID tags
Offered low-cost medical assistance to low-income owners
Referred services for lost animals, breed rescues, wildlife rehabilitation, exotic and reptile rescues
Reported abuse or neglect cases regarding children and the elderly when suspected at the time of their investigation
Trapped stray animals using humane traps
Offered pick-up service for owners who are unable to bring their animals to the shelter
Picked up sick or injured animals for medical evaluation and treatments
Made presentations to the community about animal abuse and neglect
Investigated and prosecuted cases of dog fighting
Investigated and prosecuted cases of animal hoarding, puppy mills, and backyard breeding operation