Animal Law and Investigations Training

On Thursday, August 23, the Valdosta Police Department hosted an Animal Law and Investigations Training for officials all across the state. The class was designed for law enforcement, animal control officers, judges, and prosecutors. The free training was put on by the Atlanta Humane Society.

Officials say the training is needed because officers don't usually get enough hands-on training when it comes to cases such as animal cruelty and/or abuse. The Atlanta Humane Society offers this class to give law enforcement personnel up-to-date training on Georgia laws that will help them effectively investigate these types of cases. The ultimate outcome is for officers to leave the training better equipped to investigate animal cruelty and dog fighting cases.

"One of the reasons that getting this type of training is so important is because we know that animal abuse is significantly linked to other cases, and by that I mean, domestic violence, child abuse and a host of more violent crimes, including dog fighting and other crimes related to children," says Jessica Rock, Director of Legal Advocacy and Law Enforcement Support.

"Animals are silent children who need and deserve our respect and care. This course helps our local public safety and animal control officers to better defend these precious creatures," said Brian Childress, Valdosta Police Chief.

The Animal Law and Investigations Training is held at least once a month across the State of Georgia. For more information, contact Jessica Rock at jrock@atlantahumane.org.