On Tuesday, the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS) turned 10 and celebrated their anniversary by holding a commemorative ceremony in the rear of One Police Plaza, in Lower Manhattan, reported by AMNY. Ten brilliant years of rescuing thousands of dogs and cats from cruelty and abuse.
“We’ve been able to help 5,000 animals suspected of [being caught up in] animal cruelty. That’s a huge number, and it’s all thanks to the joint effort of our officers and the ASPCA team. Over the years, we trained more than 28,000 patrol officers to recognize and respond to cases of animal abuse and neglect. This training has been crucial in making sure that no animal suffers in silence,” NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella said.
Today marks a decade of collaboration between the NYPD and @ASPCA in raising awareness and preventing cruelty to animals.
Because of this partnership, the animal abuse squad has trained over 28,000 patrol officers to detect cruelty and neglect towards animals, helping over 5,000… pic.twitter.com/khAb6M916d
— Tania Kinsella (@NYPD1stDep) April 9, 2024
At the commemoration event, ACIS recounted two anecdotes about their rescued pets: French Bulldog Dozer and Yorkie Theo, who survived abuse and mistreatment. Dozer was rescued from his Bronx owner who repeatedly beat him. Theo, after his owner brought him to a veterinarian, who reported signs of physical abuse.
A decade ago, the New York Police Department partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to give birth to ACIS in order to detect and fight against animal abusers across the five boroughs. After initial reports, ACIS starts investigating, analyzing evidence and surveillance records if there are any. Then they issue a warrant and save animals from their abusers. Later, they deal with finding forever homes for the pets.
“Ten years ago, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the country joined forces with one of the oldest and largest law enforcement agencies in the country to combat animal cruelty and ensure animals are protected under the law – further establishing the value of animals in our lives and in our communities,” said Matt Bershadker, President & CEO of the ASPCA. According to him, since 2014, this partnership has yielded a 300% increase in saved animals.
