DA's Office Conducts Animal Cruelty Investigation Training

Salem, MA - The Essex District Attorney's Office conducted the first of a series of three trainings on animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions earlier this month.

The training, “Getting Your Dogs in a Row: Organizing the Animal Cruelty Response,” was attended by Essex County police and animal control officers and Massachusetts State Police troopers. Presenters included Essex Assistant District Attorneys Lynsey Legier and Lindsay Nasson, Lowell Animal Control Officer Darleen Wood, MSPCA Officer Martha Parkhurst and Animal Rescue League Lt. Alan Borgal.

“Investigating animal cruelty cases can present challenges not found in typical criminal investigations,” District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said. “Working together with our law enforcement partners to ensure evidence is thoroughly gathered and carefully documented will ensure that we can successfully prosecute persons who harm or severely neglect animals.”

Topics included officer safety when encountering an abused animal, dealing with “live” evidence, understanding what constitutes cruelty and proper charging. ADAs Legier and Nasson discussed the “emergency aid exception” which allows first responders to enter private property without a warrant in order to provide emergency aid to an animal.

“It is well established that cruelty to animals can be linked to other potentially violent crimes. Holding those accountable for these actions, not only protects innocent and defenseless animals, but can also protect our communities,” DA Blodgett said.

The Essex District Attorney's Office received a grant from the Stanton Foundation last summer to establish an Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit which handles all animal cruelty cases in Essex County and offers trainings to local law enforcement to ensure effective investigations of all animal abuse and neglect complaints.

DA Blodgett was recognized by the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for his leadership on animal protection.

Photos courtesy Essex County Districty Attorney: Essex ADA Lynsey Legier speaks to local animal control and police officers at a training on investigating animal cruelty at the Essex District Attorney's Office in Salem.