The Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office is launching a collaboration with law enforcement and community partners to investigate and prosecute animal abuse.
The Animal Cruelty Unit is also designed to educate the community regarding animal issues, with a goal of deterring future crime by recognizing the link between animal abuse and violent crimes, particularly child abuse and domestic violence.
The unit meets at least quarterly to discuss animal abuse trends, specific cases, work to create standardized prosecutorial norms, and sentencing recommendations for animal abuse cases.
Members include community partners in law enforcement, animal shelters, the YWCA, area veterinarians, and other community groups, like Zeus and Friends. The unit also includes an investigator and victim-witness advocate from the prosecutor’s office. (Lewiston Tribune)
