What is Animal Cruelty?
By former
Evanston Police Commander and Humane Investigator
Susan Trigourea
Animal cruelty
can take on many forms. From neglect to the intentional torture of an
animal, Illinois law identifies these acts as crimes. Neglect
situations generally involve the failure to provide the basic duties
required of owners, such as; adequate shelter; a sufficient quantity of
food and water; veterinary care when needed and humane care and
treatment. It is important to understand that the law requires a
minimum standard of care. Although an investigation may reveal a level
of care different than what may be provided by you or I, it may not be
a violation of the law. Neglect situations can often be corrected with
education and follow up visits by a humane investigator to insure
compliance. In all animal cruelty investigations, however, prosecution
remains an option. The disposition of each case is based on the
individual facts and circumstances it presents. The goal of the humane
investigator is to improve the quality of life for the animal. Other
acts of cruelty include starving, abandoning or beating an animal. The
charges of aggravated cruelty, torture and dogfighting all carry a
felony status. Upon conviction of some violations of the Humane Care
for Animals Act, the court may order a psychological or psychiatric
evaluation and treatment. If the convicted person is a juvenile or
companion animal hoarder, the court must order the evaluation.
The Evanston
Police Department is committed to the humane treatment of animals and
the professional investigation of animal cruelty crimes. In January of
2006, the police department created an ‘animal abuse team’.
The ‘team’ consists of seven members of the police
department who, in addition to performing their regular duties, are
responsible for investigating reports of cruelty. Most of these
violations are found in the Humane Care for Animals Act, however other
crimes investigated by the team, such as dogfighting, are found in the
Criminal Code of 1961. Dogfighting is the brutal act of pitting two
dogs against each other in a fight, often to the death. These fights
are staged for monetary gain, gang status, or the twisted enjoyment
received by some simply viewing the gratuitous violence. This is an act
that not only causes extreme pain, suffering and often death for the
animals involved, it is a crime that negatively impacts the entire
community.
Animal cruelty
must be reported to be investigated. If you witness an act of animal
cruelty, or have information about suspected abuse, please contact the
police department. To report an emergency situation, such as a dogfight
or other act of in-progress cruelty, call 911. To report on-going
neglect or suspected animal cruelty or abuse within Evanston, call the
non-emergency number to file a report that will generate an
investigation (847-866-5000). Together we can make a difference.
If you are not in Evanston, you should
call your police department to report animal cruelty or neglect. You
can also find out about organizations operating in your area by
following this link to the ASPCA.
