In this session, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection research team will present the findings of recent studies on community engagement in animal control/field services and calls for service trends in animal control and field services in the U.S. The definition of “responsible pet ownership”, as codified in animal cruelty and neglect laws, disproportionately targets socially and economically marginalized communities (e.g., Black, Indigenous, People of Color [BIPOC], 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people living in poverty or experiencing houselessness, individuals with disabilities, and older adults) and perpetuates the systemic harm of the U.S. criminal justice system. Animal protection agencies should instead be an asset in equitably promoting the well-being and resilience of people and animals in their jurisdictions by serving as a bridge to accessing support services (e.g., pet food and supply pantries, low-cost veterinary care, behavior training). A critical first step in acknowledging and addressing the negative impacts of animal protection enforcement is implementing consistent and transparent reporting and oversight of animal control/field services data. By documenting disparities in the recent trends and patterns of enforcement in a unique dataset obtained directly from a set of U.S. animal control/field services agencies, this presentation of our recent study will address this critical gap and provide a foundation for the transformation of animal protection. These findings and implications for future work will be discussed.