In a news conference today Mayor Dixon, joined by elected officials, animal rights activists and various leaders, announced the creation of the Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force. This group will develop recommendations to improve both prevention and prosecution of animal abuse. They will be working closely with Animal Control, city officials, animal rights groups, and the general public.
According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, she stated that, “The protection and safety of animals in the City of Baltimore is an important concern. This is more than a legal issue. This is a community issue. If you improve animal welfare in a community, you improve public safety for everyone.”
The task force will be looking for ways to prevent animal abuse as well as recommendations for improving training for law enforcement officers and animal control officers. They will also review current legislation as well as make suggestions for improved legislation to protect animals and better prosecute abusers. Finally, the task force will develop methods for improving awareness of animal cruelty laws.
It is the hope of all those involved to prevent incidents of abuse like Phoenix, the pit bull who was set on fire, from occurring in the future. Link
Check out Baltimore City's website to learn more about the task force.
