NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Todd Hallidy

Phone: (302) 577-8314

Date: May 7, 2001

A.G. BRADY, GOVERNOR, MARK 'BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK'

(Wilmington, DE) - Attorney General M. Jane Brady today urged all Delawareans to reflect on the important role animals play in our everyday lives. Brady, who chairs the Attorney General's Task Force on Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence, says there is clear link between respect for animals and respect for our fellow human citizens. "Sadly, the reverse is also true," Brady observed. "When someone deliberately harms an animal, they are much more likely to harm a person."

For 86 years, our nation has set aside the first full week of May as "Be Kind to Animals Week." It is an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitments to protecting animals from pain and suffering, and Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner has signed a declaration in support of the observance in the State. The Governor's statement recognizes that animals give people great pleasure and companionship, and humans have an obligation to protect their fellow creatures from need, pain, fear and suffering. Her statement also recognizes the need to instill attitudes of kindness, consideration and respect through humane education in the schools and elsewhere. The Governor also saluted animal care and control workers.

Attorney General Brady's Task Force was created in November, 1999 and issued several recommendations in a report earlier this year. The report noted that police agencies and the SPCA need to delineate areas of responsibility and determine a protocol for animal cruelty investigations. Law enforcement has traditionally had little role in these cases and the Task Force concluded that the SPCA is understaffed. The report also encouraged further training for veterinarians so that they may better recognize evidence of animal cruelty. The report also recommended stiffer penalties for animal cruelty offenses. Based on the report, the Attorney General has also originated legislation that would allow shelter operators to recover costs relating to the care of these animals before the end of the long weeks or months it may take for a case to be resolved. Finally, the report recommended the creation of a 'foster care system' for pets that need to be removed from abusive environments while their families are seeking emergency shelter elsewhere.

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EDITORS: For a complete copy of the report issued by the Attorney General's Animal Cruelty Task Force, please contact Todd Hallidy at (302) 577-8314.