New Vermont database eases animal-abuse reports

Montpelier, Vt.

-- A new electronic database serving Vermont aims to make reporting animal-abuse cases easier.

The new reporting and tracking system created by humane societies is meant to remove confusion about whom to call and what constitutes abuse. The Cruelty Response System Web site offers an electronic complaint form and lists details about laws and different levels of neglect.

Though the site requires complainants to give some personal information, their identities won't be revealed to complaint subjects.