PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lori Sitler

Phone: (302) 577-8314

Pager: (302) 247-1132

Date: October 9, 2003

ATTORNEY GENERAL BRADY TO RECEIVE KENT CO. SPCA’S “ANIMAL KINDNESS” AWARD

(Dover, DE): In recognition of her work on the issue of animal cruelty, Attorney General M. Jane Brady will share in this year’s “Animal Kindness” award to be presented by the Kent Co. SPCA at its annual meeting on Monday, October 13th. Brady was chosen for the award because she has, “committed [herself] to enhance the quality of life for animals in the State of Delaware.”



In November of 1999, Brady formed the Attorney General’s Task Force on Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence to look at the correlation between animal cruelty and violence towards persons. Since that time the Task Force has amended laws and policies, developed a public awareness campaign, and provided training and materials for child protective workers, health care professionals, animal care providers, prosecutors, victim services providers, advocates, and enforcement officers. Additionally, the Task Force sought to develop a foster pet network so victims of domestic violence and child abuse displaced from their homes can assure the safety of their pets.



The Task Force completed a 16-month study and released a report that recommends steps to foster improved responses to incidents of animal cruelty and personal violence, particularly domestic violence and child abuse. The report was released in conjunction with a national conference on the issue hosted by Attorney General Brady in Wilmington on March 22, 2001. The Task Force continues to meet regularly to address policy and legislative issues.



Murrey E. Goldthwaite, Executive Director of shelter services for the Kent Co. SPCA said

that Attorney General Brady was chosen for the award because of, “her leadership of the Task Force. Her efforts have helped make a real difference. Having someone in her position focus on the issues of animal cruelty and interpersonal violence have helped raise awareness about this issue.” 



Also to be recognized are three members of the General Assembly, Senator Nancy Cook, Senator Collin Bonini and Representative Gerald Buckworth who Goldthwaite said have helped the SPCA in many capacities including helping to establish a new facility, supporting legislation and adopting pets. Other recipients of this year’s award include SPCA volunteers, Barbara Philips, Sharon Bargo and Carol Hastings who Goldthwaite describes as “extremely dedicated in committing many hours of time in assisting the organization and its animals.” 



The annual meeting and awards presentation will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 13th in the auditorium of the Kent Co. SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE. 



For more information about the Attorney General’s Task Force on Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence, visit the Department of Justice’s website at attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/ and click on the “A.G. Task Force/Resources” button. 

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