As the owner of two rescued dogs, one of whom lost his leg when he was abandoned as a puppy, I believe that harming helpless animals is morally reprehensible.  Yet reported animal cruelty cases in Massachusetts surged by more than 70% between 2019 and 2022. In Massachusetts, ranked second in the nation for its prioritization of animal abuse, intentional cruelty, abandonment, or failure to provide basic humane care are serious felonies. Veterinarians must report suspected animal abuse to police, and convictions carry penalties of up to 7 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a mandatory ban on working with or possessing animals. 

Animal abuse is also important to address because it is frequently an indicator of crimes against people. Research indicates that 71% to 88% of households investigated for domestic violence or child abuse also have concurrent reports of animal abuse.  Recognizing this co-occurrence, animal abuse is specifically recognized as a form of coercive control that can be included as a reason to seek Abuse Prevention Orders from intimate partners or household members.

As District Attorney, I will collaborate with police, Animal Control Officers, the MSPCA, and local rescue leagues to create an Animal Abuse Task Force to prevent and respond to animal abuse and share information with law enforcement and prosecutors specializing in family and intimate partner violence.