Animal cruelty cases have been on the rise statewide. From 2019 to 2022, cases of animal abuse increased more than 70%, according to the Massachusetts Trial Court.
A new multi-agency task force aims to address an increasing number of animal cruelty cases across Suffolk County and the state.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced the creation of the county’s first such task force alongside other local and state officials at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Care and Adoption Center on Wednesday.
“Anyone who has ever loved or owned a pet knows the joy and happiness they bring to our lives. All these pets ask in return is to be sheltered, fed, and cared for when they’re sick or hurt,” said the district attorney, who is a dog owner himself.
“Sadly, too many animals and pets end up getting hurt through malicious intent or conscious neglect,” he continued. “This task force will improve our ability to investigate, charge, and prosecute these cases and, hopefully, reduce them.”