The "Report Animal Abuse, Stop Domestic Abuse" initiative of the Albany County DA's "ACT" Animal Cruelty Taskforce aims to shine a light on domestic violence, by encouraging more residents to dial 9-1-1 when they suspect animal abuse. The effort is based on research from the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys that found 76% of animal abusers also abuse a member of their family. The premise is that if more people can be convinced to dial 911 when they suspect animal abuse, that the police will then have the opportunity to uncover a higher number of domestic violence cases.
An estimated 70% of all abuse cases go unreported each year (National Coalition of Domestic Abuse), and 25-40% of domestic abuse victims stay in abusive homes or delay leaving out of concern for the safety of their pets (American Humane Society). It has become obvious that a new approach to breaking the cycle of abuse is desperately needed.
The message of the initiative is simple. If you witness or even suspect animal abuse, report it immediately. Please join us today in the fight to end domestic abuse and animal cruelty. Your "ACT" could save a life.
If you witness an animal in a life-threatening situation, or see an animal involved in dog-fighting, being beaten or severely abused, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Non-emergency animal cruelty should be reported to the Police Department in the municipality where the event occurred. Please refer to this list of local law enforcement agencies in Albany County.
Be Prepared
The police are best able to perform their duties when provided with detailed descriptions of the suspected abuse. The more details you provide, the greater the chance that the law will be upheld and the animals rescued.
Make sure to consider the following questions before calling the police:
What type of incident(s) did you witness?
Who was involved in the incident(s)?
When did the incident(s) take place?
Where did the incident(s) take place?
More information about the “ACT” Animal Cruelty Taskforce, including the public service announcements unveiled today, can be found on the District Attorney’s Office website. Visitors can find resources about animal cruelty prevention, a list of local cases, and learn about partners in the community who “ACT” alongside the DA’s Office in the mission of eradicating animal cruelty.