Cindy Marx-Sanders told The Commercial Appeal she complained for more than a year to shelter administrator Ernie Alexander and his director about conditions at the city-owned shelter, but nothing was done.

The newspaper reported volunteers and other citizens have called and written to City Hall for years about poor conditions at the shelter.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Tuesday morning and volunteers are caring for the animals. The warrant stated some animals had to be euthanized because of their poor condition.

A PETA undercover investigation in several states concluded that the circus violated cruelty-to-animals laws. The Norfolk-based organization also filed complaints in six other states.

Acts by trainers caught on video in Hampton show an elephant was struck with what appears to be a whip, an elephant was struck on the ear with a bullhook, and an elephant cried out after what appeared it was pulled with a bullhook.

PETA also filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture alleging Ringling violated the Animal Welfare Act and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act. The group is calling on the USDA to seize 11 of the Asian elephants in Ringling’s custody.

These dedicated agencies have the important job of ensuring that animals in their jurisdiction receive proper food, water, and shelter, and are protected from abandonment and cruel treatment. The prevention of cruelty to animals represents the core mission of many local animal care organizations. Investigation requests can come from members of the community or other law enforcement agencies.

How are complaints investigated?

While the exact process may vary depending on the local laws and procedures, an officer will look into the complaint to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. If in fact a violation has occurred, the officer may speak with the owner and issue a citation and give the owner a chance to correct the violation.The majority of cruelty complaints stem from simple neglect of the animal, rather than deliberate abuse. The humane officer’s biggest role is as an educator—informing well-meaning, but unknowledgeable, pet owners of the proper care of their pets.

In rare cases, animal neglect or abuse may be extreme and require immediate intervention. Depending on the circumstances, the animals may be removed from the situation by the humane agency to protect them from further harm. The agency will present the case to the prosecutor’s office for further evaluation and possible prosecution. Some agencies have the power to obtain and serve warrants; other agencies work closely with local police who execute the search warrant on their behalf.