Wrong to put cases under NYPD

In regard to the Jan. 5 article, “ASPCA closes storied enforcement unit in NYC”: I feel that the NYPD is not going to be able to give the animal cruelty cases as much attention as necessary. While the NYPD has “34,500 officers” versus the ASPCA’s “17 law enforcement agents.” It’s clear that with the NYPD having more officers is a benefit to handle the “annually 4,000 investigations,” the NYPD does not have a unit specifically dedicated to animal abuses. The biggest dilemma is that the human-on-human crimes will take on a higher priority than those of animal abuse cases which leaves the risk of hundreds of animals being left with their abusers while their cases get pushed aside.

The ASPCA has been in operation for 147 years always completely dedicated to the safety of the animals. All they need is a larger group of people join their work force and they could still be able to give the animals the dedication that they need. I don’t see how the NYPD taking over the animal abuse cases will help. They will be more focused on the wellbeing of the human population to deal with most of the animals. The result will be the same as the lack of people from the ASPCA. When it comes to the seriousness of animal lives you want to make sure that the people that are dealing with it are doing it right. The NYPD should not be taking over animal welfare the ASPCA merely needs improvements.

Serena Sconzo

Bothell