Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice on Thursday announced the formation of a countywide Council on Animal Protection & Safety as part of her office’s Animal Crimes Unit to increase the reporting and prosecution of crimes against animals, according to a news release from her office.
“Part of my job as district attorney is to be a victim’s advocate and give a voice to the voiceless,” Rice said in a statement. “I’m proud to work with our partners all over Nassau County to help ensure that animals and people coexist in a safe manner and that some of the most voiceless among us – abused and mistreated animals – have champions and advocates in government.”
Charter members of the council will represent the five local governments within Nassau County and serve as a forum for local officials and stakeholders to regularly share information on trends and developments in animal regulations and legislation, according to the release.
The council’s charter members include Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Acting Town of North Hempstead Supervisor John Riordan, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Long Beach Police Department Commissioner Michael Tangney and Animal Lovers League President and co-founder Joan Phillips, representing Glen Cove.
According to the release, the council’s goal is to expand to include social service providers, private animal shelter operators and veterinarians.
“With rising reports of animals facing neglect, cruelty and abandonment, I applaud DA Rice for tackling the problem head on, forming the Council on Animal Protection and Safety,” Riordan said in a statement. “North Hempstead is a proud partner with other Nassau municipalities to help advocate for and spread awareness about the need to protect and care for animals.”
Since it was founded in early 2010, the Animal Crimes Unit has held police training seminars on the enforcement and prosecution of animal crimes visited shelters to speak with animal control officers, in addition to its focus on investigating and prosecuting animal crimes. At its inception, it was the first of its kind for a New York district attorney’s office, according to the release.
The first meeting of the Council on Animal Protection & Safety will take place on Nov. 8.
“The Town of Hempstead is committed to the health and safety of all animals throughout our township, and we have held many successful programs and adoption events at the Town Animal Shelter,” Murray said in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and other local organizations to exchange information so that we can better serve Nassau County’s animal population.”
