Animal Welfare Leaders Support New Multi-Agency Strategy Against Animal Cruelty

Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, highlighted the necessity of establishing strong relationships with law enforcement at all levels. She pointed out that in 2025, the organization collaborated with local authorities in Florida, South Carolina, and Indiana to rescue nearly 200 dogs from suspected dogfighting operations, which often link to illegal drugs, weapons, and violence. In 2022, they assisted in the rescue of over 4,000 beagles from a facility in Virginia breeding dogs for laboratories, working alongside the Agriculture and Justice departments. Block emphasized that collaboration between animal protection organizations and law enforcement is vital for dismantling networks of cruelty and ensuring community safety.

Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund, commended the Justice Department for adopting a coordinated approach with the Agriculture Department to combat severe forms of animal abuse. She noted past advocacy efforts that led to the passage of key legislation, including the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act and the PACT Act. Amundson stated that effective implementation of this new plan by the DOJ in conjunction with federal, state, and local partners is crucial for achieving meaningful protection for animals and preventing future abuse.