Exciting news for animals in New York City: Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced that he has created an Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit, which will work closely with the New York City Police Department (NYPD)’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Squad to investigate animal cruelty, abuse and neglect in Queens County. The ASPCA first partnered with the NYPD in 2014, with the Police Department taking the lead role in responding to all animal cruelty complaints in NYC and the ASPCA providing direct care support for victims.

The Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit—which is the first of its kind in a District Attorney’s Office in New York City – will investigate and prosecute animal cruelty crimes, as well as educate the public about how to recognize and prevent animal abuse.

“Aggressive prosecution of crimes against animals is critical to ensuring the safety of New York City residents, both human and animal,” said Stacy Wolf, Esq., Senior Vice President of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group. “The ASPCA commends District Attorney Brown for devoting the time and resources to form a specialized Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit. It will undoubtedly strengthen the outstanding enforcement and animal care work already being done daily through the NYPD-ASPCA partnership and sends a strong message that crimes against animals will not be tolerated in our city.”

We look forward to continued progress for animals in Queens County as this new unit begins work on these important efforts.