Kankakee County creates new Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit

September 8, 2017

Prosuecuting animal-related crimes is very difficult for most prosecutors, particularly when it comes to sexual assault. There are fewer resources like DNA experts or behavioral specialists who can testify on behalf of the animal victim. The victim cannot tell what happened. Evidence of injury may not be immediately apparent. Animal control officers who are often the first to respond, are often not authorized to seize an animal or collect additional evidence without the assistance of commissioned officers.  

Kankakee County Illinois State Attorney Jim Rowe recognized these problems, and with the assistance of a grant from the ASPCA, has formed a special team who will be trained to handle animal cruelty cases. Read more.