Over 180 border police officers from across the country participated in training sessions dedicated to investigating cases of animal cruelty and combating dog fighting, held in Timisoara, Constanta and Iasi.
Humane World for Animals is collaborating with the Romanian Border Police General Inspectorate and the National Corps of Police Officers to strengthen the capacity to investigate cases of animal cruelty and combat dog fighting, phenomena that are frequently associated with other forms of crime and violence, according to a press release the organisation and sent to AGERPRES on Friday.
The more than 180 border police officers attended training sessions delivered by Shalimar Oliver, Case Manager in the Animal Crimes Department, and Dr Michelle Gonzalez, a veterinarian and expert in veterinary forensic medicine.
Participants received training on identifying signs of abuse, collecting and documenting evidence, field intervention and inter-agency cooperation in cases involving a cross-border element.
Numerous studies conducted over recent decades, together with growing attention to the link between animal cruelty and violence against people, have led authorities to treat cases of animal cruelty and dog fighting with increasing seriousness. Such offences are often associated with other forms of criminal activity, including illegal trafficking, firearms offences, drug trafficking and organised crime.
"Combating animal cruelty also means combating violence and crime. Professional training for law enforcement personnel is essential for an effective response in such cases, contributing to better protection for animals, people and the communities in which they live. We are grateful to our partner institutions in Romania for their commitment to this important work and for supporting the training of police officers who play a vital role in creating safer communities for all of us, both people and animals," said Andreea Roseti, according to the press release.
The National Corps of Police Officers and the Romanian Border Police General Inspectorate supported the participation of officers from territorial structures across the country as part of their commitment to expanding access to the knowledge and skills needed to enforce national legislation on combating animal cruelty and dog fighting.
"Humane World for Animals remains an active partner of the Romanian authorities in their efforts to develop the capacity to prevent and investigate crimes against animals and to strengthen cooperation among institutions involved in law enforcement," the source also says.
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