(Nov. 2015) Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) recently announced legislation he authored to enhance the enforcement of animal cruelty laws by making information more readily available to local law enforcement and prosecutors, was signed into law by the governor (Ch.384 of 2015).
“Animal abuse and neglect are unfortunate realities that our local officials are tasked with dealing with on a day-to-day basis,” said Magee. “This law will help them by providing the tools and training needed to combat and prevent these terrible crimes.”
Although training currently exists to enforce animal cruelty and protection laws, reports indicate that some police and prosecutors may not be familiar with the Agriculture and Markets law. This law would bring the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the law enforcement agencies together with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to coordinate the development of education and training procedures.
“This law will ensure the men and women on the ground can leverage the expertise from the Department of Agriculture and Markets to do their jobs,” said Magee. “By working together we can stop those who seek to do harm to the animals in our state and punish those who break the law.”