MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The state attorney’s offices of Florida’s Ninth and Fifth judicial circuits will join forces to help prevent and prosecute animal cruelty cases at a new level, according to a news release.
The Ninth Judicial Circuit joining the Fifth’s Animal Cruelty Task Force represents “a significant step forward” in those efforts, the release states, predicting that the benefits of consolidated resources, counsel and jurisdictional reach will underscore the circuit courts’ “shared commitment to upholding justice and compassion for all sentient beings.”
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain said in a statement that though his own circuit’s animal cruelty unit began in 2016 — long ahead of the Fifth’s in 2022 — the new partnership would allow both to “expand our access to more resources and specialized knowledge to help us build even stronger animal cruelty cases which are often complex.”
A multidisciplinary approach will leverage the expertise of law enforcement agencies, animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals and legal experts to maximize the task force’s impact and effectiveness, the release states.
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Efforts will also be made to develop outreach and educational initiatives regarding responsible pet ownership, humane treatment practices and the legal consequences of animal abuse, according to the release.
Engaging with communities, schools and advocacy groups, will allow the task force to foster a culture of empathy and respect toward all living beings.
As the expanded task force begins its operations, both offices invite collaboration and support from stakeholders across the region. Together, we can strive towards a future where every animal is treated with the dignity, compassion and respect they deserve.
STATE ATTORNEY OFFICE'S EXPANDED ANIMAL TASK FORCE SERVES AS A FORCE MULTIPLIER OF JUSTICE (excerpt)
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