Latest news with #AnimalProtection
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
DuPage state's attorney launches new Animal Protection Unit
The DuPage County state's attorney's office is launching a new Animal Protection Unit, officials announced. Comprised of a team of specially trained prosecutors, it will be focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. 'This issue has been a priority for me for a long time,' State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. 'I'm grateful that we have the resources to implement a unit like this because I just think it's so good for our community and our county.' His office has seen an increase in animal cruelty cases, owner neglect cases and in the number of petitions it has had to file in civil court seeking forfeiture of animals because of cruelty or neglect, he said. As of Friday, about 35 cases concerning animal cruelty, violations of the Illinois Animal Control Act or animal endangerment were pending. 'Rather than have these cases spread out amongst different prosecutors, because they're so important … in the community, I thought that we should have a specialized unit made up of a small group of prosecutors who are trained in these cases (and) have a specialty (so) they can really handle them from start to finish,' Berlin said. The unit will partner with law enforcement agencies and DuPage County Animal Services — as well as the community — to provide a comprehensive, focused approach to prosecuting local animal cruelty cases, according to the state's attorney's office. Further, the unit will also provide additional legal protections for those at risk of domestic violence, which can be linked to animal abuse, a news release on the new team said. A few years ago, the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey of nearly 2,500 people focused on how domestic violence affects survivors with pets and their families. Among respondents, 37% said their abuser had threatened to harm or kill a pet and 29% said the abuser had actually harmed or killed pets, per a 2021 report of survey results. Just last week, a Naperville man was sentenced to prison after beating his family's dog to death following an argument with his partner. Alongside prosecution, the new Animal Protection Unit will engage in public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare laws and available resources for those who need help with animal care, per the state's attorney's office. Berlin said he's hoping the unit will be able to participate in school education programs as well as train police and animal control officers across the county so local authorities are also better equipped to handle these kinds of cases. Training would include what to look for, information on animal cruelty laws, investigative techniques and appropriate handling of animals during seizures, he said. 'Hopefully, by prosecuting defendants for these crimes (and) holding them accountable, we're going to do two things: we're going to remove violent offenders from the street, and we're going to deter others from doing the same thing,' Berlin said. 'And that makes the community safer. 'Just like children and just like seniors, our animals are some of our most vulnerable victims. They can't speak for themselves. We have to speak for them.' tkenny@
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Baby raccoon in Boulder brought back to life with compressions
DENVER (KDVR) — A baby raccoon was brought back to life after the newborn fell from a chimney and was separated from its family. Last Sunday, Boulder Fire-Rescue said a neonate, or a newborn, baby raccoon fell from a flute shelf in a chimney to the bottom floor fireplace in a Boulder home. Are you trending? Social Security releases list of most popular baby names in 2024 Jennie Whittle, an animal protection supervisor for the Boulder Police Department, returned the baby to the shelf, where the mother and other babies had lived for a week or so before the fall. The idea was that the mother might move all the babies to a new home, according to the fire-rescue. But two days later, the baby raccoon was alone. Boulder Fire-Rescue said the mother and the babies left, and the raccoon was still in the chimney. Another Animal Protection officer, Cheryl Stiso, took over and moved the baby to an outdoor reunite box, since the mother and babies were seen outside, under the deck of the Boulder home. The box had a hot pad for the baby raccoon, but the next morning, the fire-rescue said the baby had crawled to the edge of the deck. Through the cold and rain, the baby was barely breathing. New Titanic exhibit opens in Denver with 'immersive' experience Stiso warmed and revived the baby. Animal Protection used compressions to bring the raccoon back to life, the Boulder Police Department said in an Instagram story. 'Although animals like raccoons are very abundant in Colorado and especially Boulder, they are a vital part of the ecosystem,' said a spokesperson with the Boulder Fire-Rescue. Boulder Fire-Rescue said the baby is currently with a licensed rehabilitator in Brighton who specializes in neonatal wild animal care. 'Animal protection exists to prevent suffering and attempts to keep wildlife wild. Because all the babies were otherwise healthy, they were good candidates for rehabilitation, and they will receive vaccines and basic care and species-specific nutrition, enrichment, and enclosures until they can be released,' said the Boulder Fire-Rescue spokesperson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Raccoon in a San Marcos tests positive for rabies, residents urged to vaccinate pets
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A raccoon found in a San Marcos neighborhood on April 14 tested positive for rabies, according to the City of San Marcos. Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect mammals and is spread through an animal's saliva. According to the city, the raccoon was found in Coers Circle, near Old Ranch Road 12 and Franklin Drive. It was then collected and sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin for testing. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in mammals in Texas 'It is important that anyone that physically contacts or is bitten by a rabid animal seek post-exposure treatment promptly to prevent contracting the virus,' the city said. 'Post-exposure treatment for rabies that is provided soon after a bite or exposure is effective at preventing the virus from spreading. Post-exposure treatment consists of a series of injections to build immunity to the rabies virus.' The city said the public should report any wild animals that appear to be sick or any physical contact with a wild animal to Animal Protection officers by calling 512-805-2655. Pet owners were urged to vaccinate their pets against rabies to help prevent the spread of the virus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
