(July 2015) In a continued effort to promote animal safety, Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) announced the passage, in both houses of the Legislature, of a bill he authored which would require the state to make information about animal cruelty laws available to local law enforcement and prosecutors (A.7207).
“Unfortunately, the investigation of animal abuse and neglect have become a necessary part of the job for our local officials,” said Magee. “We need to ensure law enforcement has the tools and resources needed to combat these horrific crimes.”
Reports have shown that some police agencies and prosecutors may not be familiar with the animal cruelty laws that originate in the Department of Agriculture and Markets. By bringing together the Division of Criminal Justice Services and law enforcement agencies with the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to create new training programs, our local officials will have proper guidance and will be able to better enforce the law, added Magee.
“This legislation makes it possible to leverage the expertise we have at the Department of Agriculture and Markets by connecting them with the men and women who are on the ground, working to make sure animals are kept safe,” said Magee. “Only by working together will we be able to protect our animals and rightfully punish those who break the law.”