BOSTON (WHDH) - A new first-of-its-kind task force will aim to coordinate law enforcement efforts to combat animal cruelty amid a spike in cruelty cases in and around Boston, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced Wednesday.
Dubbed the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force, the effort will include personnel from the DA’s office and area law enforcement agencies.
Beyond individual incidents, Hayden’s office said the task force will also work to improve understanding of animal cruelty cases and identify necessary changes to state animal protection laws.
“Anyone who has ever loved or owned a pet knows the joy and happiness they bring to our lives,” Hayden said in a written statement. “All these pets ask in return is to be sheltered, fed and cared for when they’re sick or hurt.”
“Sadly, too many animals and pets end up getting hurt through malicious intent or conscious neglect,” he continued.
Hayden spoke Wednesday at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Care and Adoption Center alongside various state and local officials.
In announcing this task force, Hayden’s office noted a recent increase in the number of animal cruelty cases in Suffolk County and Massachusetts at large, with state trial court animal cruelty cases reportedly jumping more than 70% between 2019 and 2022.
“In Suffolk County in particular and around, we’ve seen worse and worse cases,” said Lieutenant Alan Borgal of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division.
Hayden’s office flagged specific incidents within Suffolk County, including a case in November where a Boston man was charged after Chelsea police found a dead dog in his apartment during a well-being check.
In another case, also in November, a woman was arrested and charged after police said they saw her kick a dog on Boston Common.
In total, Hayden’s office said the MSPCA handled 684 investigations involving animal abuse in 2023.
Within Suffolk County, officials said 17 people were charged with at least one animal cruelty related offense in 2023.
Leaders on Wednesday said the goal of the Animal Cruelty Task Force is not to remove pets from their owners.
When necessary, though, officials said they help bring animal abusers to justice.
“We don’t want to take pets from people,” said Animal Rescue League of Boston President and CEO Edward Schettino. “We want to help provide resources to keep people together.”
Asked if he thinks the task force will make a difference, Borgal responded.
“Absolutely,” he said.
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