“If somebody is harming an animal, there’s a good chance they also are hurting a human,” notes John Thompson of the National Sheriffs’ Association. With four types of cruelty to animals now included in the FBI’s NIBRS process, animal abuse is recognized as a serious crime in its own right and a predictor of family, youth, community, and organized violence. This seminar will discuss how specialized animal crimes units, law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices and veterinary forensics teams are responding to animal abuse to also prevent domestic, elder, and child abuse.

The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) was formed in 1978 for the express purpose of assisting its members to perform their duties in a professional manner. We believe only carefully selected and properly trained animal control personnel can correct community problems resulting from irresponsible animal ownership. NACA’s purpose is to preserve the Human/Animal Bond by insisting on responsible animal ownership.

The National Law Enforcement Center on Animal Abuse was established by the National Sheriffs’ Association to provide law enforcement officers information on the realities of animal abuse and to promote their proactive involvement in the enforcement of animal abuse laws in their communities. Through our partners, the Center will serve as an information clearinghouse and forum for law enforcement on the growing problem of animal abuse and its link to other types of crimes, including violence against humans. The Center also promotes officer safety in officer-dog encounters through continuing education and training.