One year after the launch of the District Attorney’s Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit, San Diego Humane Society and the DA’s Office held a joint press conference to highlight recent animal cruelty cases, provide case statistics and encourage the public to report suspected animal cruelty.
Animal cruelty is one of the earliest and most dramatic indicators that an individual may be developing a pattern of seeking power and control through abusing others. When animals in a home are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may be in danger. San Diego Humane Society and the DA’s Office are working together to ensure the safety of people and animals in the region, as well as ask the community to look out, speak up.
“Often times when animals are being abused, people are being abused too,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “That’s why it’s so important to report animal cruelty and neglect when you see it.”
In addition to Weitzman, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan spoke at the press conference, as well as Kiran Vashishta, who adopted Remington, a victim of animal abuse.
San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement will investigate all cruelty and neglect calls made to 619-299-7012. All reports of suspected abuse or neglect can remain anonymous.