Law enforcement officers are responsible for the investigation of animal cruelty, which ranges from misdemeanor to felony, depending upon the severity and level of intent. These crimes are all important because they affect many aspects of society.
The State of California represents the interests of animals much in the same way that it represents the interests of minor children or other dependent victims. 
Bob Ferber and Mayor Villaraigosa at the 1st Task Force Press Conference

Sheila the German Shephard
with the LAPD Task Force

Sheila was the victim of cruel animal abuse— she was found burned and scalded. Sheila's story ends happily: she was adopted by an LAPD Officer.
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Animal Abuse
Prevention
The Voice
for the Animals foundation assists with the reporting
and prosecuting of animal abuse and neglect. We have
taken an active role in training LAPD officers, and work
closely with both the police and the city attorney's
Animal Protection Unit.
Reporting Animal Abuse
WHERE the incident is occurring: exact address
is imperative (residence, business, vicinity, i.e.,
beach area next to...); also, direction of travel (i.e.,
walking, driving away).
WHO is doing it: description of perpetrator(s) including
gender, age, ethnicity, basic physical description (hair
color, length, clothing).
DESCRIPTION of ANIMAL(S) and WHERE animal(s)
is/are located on property.
WHAT the nature of the abuse is (beating,
neglect, left confined in hot car).
IN
PROGRESS or CHRONIC PROBLEM. Is it occuring
just right at that moment or does it occur routinely? If
chronic, give background of the problem to help officer
understand the problem. If in progress and of an URGENT
nature, alert complaint operator so that an expeditious
response can be initiated (as in cases of dogfight in
progress, stabbing, strangling, etc.).
Your NAME and phone number. IT IS
POSSIBLE TO ANONYMOUSLY REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE,
but the more involved the complainant is in the process,
the more likely the success of the investigation. You
may be able to remain anonymous initially but still
leave contact information.
Take
photos, video tapes, or audio tapes to assist officers
if you can do so WITHOUT JEOPARDIZING YOUR OWN
SAFETY. If you know the location of evidence,
alert police to its whereabouts.
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The Police
Department is responsible for investigating all State/ City crimes and
protecting all victims.
Law enforcement
officers are obligated and empowered to remove victim animals
from jeopardy, and are responsible for ensuring their safety once aware
of their status as victims, with the assistance of the Department of
Animal Services.
Law enforcement
officers are fully empowered to arrest and/or cite animal
abusers.

Melya Kaplan, holds a picture of Billy, who was used as bait for dog fighting.

Bob Ferber, with his dog Amy, at the 2nd Task Force Press Conference

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