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A multi-disciplinary approach
Animal Folks supports a multi-disciplinary approach to the enforcement of animal law. This approach includes skilled authorities across multiple professions, such as law enforcement (sheriff offices and police departments), prosecutors, judges, veterinarians, humane agents, animal control officers, mental health professionals and social service workers, and other qualified individuals and agencies.
Effective enforcement of animal anti-cruelty laws requires clear policies, procedures, and training.
NOTE: The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) has announced a new program to help fund canine cruelty cases. Scroll below for more details.
Materials
• MN Judges Criminal Benchbook
There is now an animal cruelty chapter (Chapter 28) within the Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook, providing information on Minnesota animal cruelty laws and legal precedent. Animal Folks convened a team of legal experts to write the chapter. The Benchbook is published by the MN CLE (Continuing Legal Education). Learn more:
MN Judges Criminal Benchbook
• Evidence in Animal Cruelty Cases
A vital question for law enforcement and others charged with the task of enforcing animal cruelty laws or addressing issues of animal cruelty is: "What is meant by evidence?" This document answers multiple aspects of this question.
DOWNLOAD: Evidence in Animal Cruelty Cases
• Model Animal Cruelty Policy - MN Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is responsible for the investigation of animal cruelty and the enforcement of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. To assist in these efforts, a model animal cruelty policy has been crafted for review and support by Minnesota police chiefs and sheriffs; policies provide guidance, direction, and clarity to officers and supervisors in regard to the enforcement of laws. This model animal cruelty policy was a collaborative effort among experts in the Minnesota criminal justice system.
DOWNLOAD: Model Animal Cruelty Policy
If you work within law enforcement and need a WORD document version of this model policy, email: ann@animalfolks.org
• Veterinarians - Identifying, Documenting, Reporting Animal Cruelty
In addition to providing training to veterinarians who are mandated reporters of animal cruelty in Minnesota, Animal Folks also wrote a manual for veterinarians to help with how to identify, document, and report animal cruelty. For a pdf of the manual, go to this link: Veterinarians: Reporting Animal Cruelty
NOTE: Printed copies are also available. Contact Animal Folks.
• Seizure of Animals. DOWNLOAD: PDF includes 3 sample forms
1. Notice of Seizure: Animals
2. Request for Hearing or Voluntary Surrender
3. Property Receipt, Inventory and Return
NOTE: If a Minnesota police department or sheriff office, including animal care and control services, needs changes to the above or wants the forms branded to their office/department, contact Animal Folks and we can assist.
• Forensic Necropsy. DOWNLOAD: Multi-page pdf — forensic necropsies.
This is a Q&A sheet answering basic questions about forensic necropsies; targeted to law enforcement. It provides contact information for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Minnesota that conducts necropsies.
NOTE: Printed copies are also available. Contact Animal Folks.
• Dog or Cat in Hot Car. DOWNLOAD: Multi-page pdf - motor vehicles.
This is a Q&A sheet answering basic questions about dogs or cats left unattended in motor vehicles that may endanger their life; written for law enforcement. This is a violation of Minnesota law. Focus of brochure is on extremely hot temperatures; leaving a dog or cat unattended in extremely cold temperatures is also a violation of law.
NOTE: Printed copies are also available. Contact Animal Folks.
Resources
In 2021, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) announced a new program called the National Dog Abuse Investigation and Prosecution Assistance Program. In collaboration with the Stanton Foundation, the program's goal is to provide prosecutors with the resources to ensure that canine cruelty and dogfighting cases are thoroughly investigated and properly adjudicated by addressing some of the financial barriers that exist for law enforcement and prosecutors. APA is now accepting requests for funding to cover appropriate costs related to dog abuse cases that can include, but are not limited to, (1) costs of care; (2) necropsies and forensic evidence analysis; and (3) expert witness fees. If you have any questions, contact Nikki Parisi at Nikki.Parisi@APAinc.org.
APPLY HERE
Training courses, webinars, and references:
• Animal Folks provides training to multiple stakeholders who deal with the prevention of animal cruelty and the enforcement of animal law. See this website for postings.
• Justice Clearinghouse
Website: Multiple Training Presentations
• ASPCA Professional
Animal Cruelty Resource Library: Webinars and Forms
• University of Missouri
National Animal Cruelty Investigations School
• NACA: National Animal Control Association
NACA 100 Training Academy
• Wisconsin
Humane Officer Training and Continuing Education
• Veterinary Forensics
This website has links to other references, books and resources.
Veterinary Forensics: Forms
Veterinary Foresnics: Resources
• University of Florida
ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Sciences Program
• NDAA: National District Attorneys Association
Family Violence and Animal Cruelty
• APA: Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Animal Abuse Prosecution Project
• ALDF: Animal Legal Defense Fund
Criminal Justice: Animal Cruelty Cases
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