Baltimore Creates Animal Abuse Task Force

Today Mayor Sheila Dixon and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld announced the formation of a Baltimore Animal Abuse Task Force. The announcement was made in response to a couple of pretty horrific incidents that took place here this summer.

The first was the burning of a young pit bull on the streets of southwest Baltimore. The second was a dead cat found tied to a utility pole with ropes and chains, under whose head someone had lit firecrackers.

The goal of this task force, the city says, is to come up with best practices for preventing and prosecuting acts of cruelty against animals. They’ll examine methods used in other cities, and they have one year to come up with a list of recommendations for preventing dog fighting, educting people about the connection between animal abuse and violence against human beings.

According to the press release, the members of the task force will include:

Sheryl Goldstein, Director of Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice

Representative from the City Council President’s Office, City Council

 State’s Attorney’s Office and the ASPCA

Baltimore City Police Commissioner (or Designee)

Baltimore City Health Commissioner (or Designee)

Ms. Zoe Michal, Mayor’s Office

Jennifer Mead, Executive Director of BARCS

Aileen Gabbey, Executive Director of the MD SPCA

Bob Anderson, Director of Baltimore City Animal Control

And, two Baltimore City residents