1. Creating an Animal Cruelty Task Force The Rensselaer County Model

2. 1. The Need

4. Section 350 of Art. 26 NYS Agriculture and Markets Law defines an animal as “every living creature except a human being.”

5. In New York State, the laws that pertain to animal cruelty are included in the Agriculture and Markets Law under Article 26. Article 26 Section 371 states: A constable or police officer must, and any agent or officer of any duly incorporated SPCA may issue an appearance ticket, summon or arrest any person offending against any of the provisions of Article 26. The Need

6. The Need Unfortunately, most police officers do not possess the knowledge or experience required to assess the condition of an animal. This could either result in the police taking no action at all, OR, making a false accusation of an animal’s condition. Furthermore, police officers also lack the equipment needed to handle animals, and have nowhere to turn if animals need to be relocated, this is especially a problem when dealing with farm animals.

7. Legislation – State Criminal animal cruelty laws are on the rise. All states make dog fighting a felony, 46 states have laws similar to Buster’s Law (NY’s felony animal cruelty law). The problem is not so much the LAWS but ENFORCEMENT.

8. 2. The Idea - 2006 An proactive retired NYS Trooper who will not take no for an answer An insightful District Attorney

9. EMAILS “I’m thinking that an Animal Cruelty Task Force should operate in a manner that is similar to the way the Rensselaer County Arson Investigation Unit operates. That unit is voluntary and the investigators do not have Peace Officer status because they work along with the police. This Arson Unit gets called out to assist the police in making a determination regarding whether a fire is arson or an accidental incident. They go through training periodically. They get some funds from the County for training but not much.” The Idea

10. The Idea Dogs and Cats Farm Animals Experience with:

11. Initial thoughts: An undercover computer that can access the dog & cock fighting websites. An UC mailbox where we can get the dog & cock fighting magazines. A relationship with folks who can foster animals. A small fund to reimburse private veterinarians who work with us. Training for all of these folks – You or an ADA from your office, Val and I could handle this. They need to know how to collect evidence, pictures, and to assist the police in writing Search Warrants, Informations & taking Statements. ID Tags When we finally do get to meet, maybe we can discuss these ideas and how we should go about finding the right people. The Idea

12. “The Animal Protection Task Force would provide the police with a list of individuals who could be called upon to assist with such investigations. It will be comprised of individuals who will not only be familiar with the anti-cruelty laws, but also possess knowledge of a variety of species of animals, including dogs, cats, farm and exotic animals.” The Idea

13. Our primary function would be: In dealing with cases of neglect – to provide the owner with educational information in an effort to remedy the situation if the case is one of ignorance To assist in finding locations for the suitable placement of any unwanted, abandoned animals, or animals that are victims of cruelty To provide the basis for a Search Warrant if it is determined that a situation cannot be remedied by any other means To assist in cases where animals are deliberately injured (such as dog fighting or torturing of animals) To assure that the animals who are victims of either neglect or deliberate cruelty are examined by a veterinarian, when necessary To maintain accurate records and reports on all cases where our assistance is rendered To provide court testimony if required The Idea

14. 3. Getting Started

15. Getting Started Establish Team Ideally, at least 1 of each: Police (various agencies) Veterinarians or Animal Care Experts Legal Minds Animal/Dog Control Officers Child Protective Services Probation Officers Animal Rescues Animal Law Students Interested Citizens

16. Authority Rensselaer County Legislative Resolution Getting Started

17. we submitted our list of members to be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Once we got the verbal go ahead with the County…

18. Indemnification

19. So we are established! Now what?

20. 4. Publicity

21. The media LOVES animal issues. Suggestion: Have a PR person. Albany Times Union Troy Record Eastwick Press Z Wire Channel 6 WRGB Channel 10 WTEN Channel 13 WNYT Channel 17 WMHT Cable Channel 11 WMHT

22. 5. Reaching Out to Authorities Troy PD to Collaborate with RensCo Animal Protection Coalition For Immediate Release Contact: Jeff Pirro 279-7131

23. 6. Training the Authorities, Public and Media Our website

24. 7. Assist Authorities in Investigations Navigate through the ambiguous laws E.g. Skye Feathers Case

25. 8. Follow through Court system & Appropriate Agencies

26. They’re depending on you.

27. Contact Us: https://www.hvcc.edu/deptweb-animaloutreach/alerts.html 518.429.0275