Animal 'Love, Care And Protection' Focus Of New DuPage County State's Attorney's Unit

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — A new dedicated unit of the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office will focus on prosecuting cases that involve cruelty to animals. The Animal Protection Unit also aims to use the connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence to offer more support to those who may be victims of domestic abuse.

“The creation of our new Animal Protection Unit is a significant step forward in the fight against animal cruelty in DuPage County, and it aligns with growing national efforts to strengthen protections for animals and others who may reside in the home and be at risk, such as spouses, domestic partners, children or the elderly," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

The unit will partner with DuPage Animal Services and police to inform pet owners about animal welfare and to provide outreach to help with caring for animals when necessary. Animal advocacy, including filing forfeiture petitions to get animals out of dangerous situations, will also be among the unit's tasks.

Members of the Animal Protection Unit include Assistant DuPage County State's Attorneys Nicole English, Anthony Irsuto, Samantha Musick and Alyssa Rabulinski.

Berlin said, “By providing the necessary resources and dedicated attention to these cases, the Animal Protection Unit will ensure that offenders are held accountable and that animals in DuPage County receive the love, care and protection they deserve."