Imperial County District Attorney’s office hopes to stop the rise of animal abuse

The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office hopes to bring justice to the people who are proven guilty of abusing animals. They also aspire to stop others from doing the same.

Senior Deputy District Attorney, Heather Trapnel , said they’re taking a stand against animal abuse crimes.

Trapnell said, ” Well we think anything, where an animal is either suffering or being put in a position that might suffer, is a serious crime. It’s still a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment would be a year in jail. ”

Imperial County Animal Control reported almost 20 cases of animal abuse and cruelty last year.

” There’s no doubt that we’ve had several cases that are pretty serious. And in addition to that just being a member of the community if you notice, if you drive around town you’ll see a lot of animals that are neglected. There’s a lot of animals wandering the streets that are strays. People don’t seem to keep their dogs in the yard, ” said Trapnell .

Animal Justice Advocates, a local animal rights group, attended a hearing Tuesday of a resident who was allegedly involved in cockfighting to be the voice for the animals.

Mikey Coffman-Garcia , an official for the group, said, ” It’s disgusting to know grown men are raising birds to torture them pretty much. you know these birds are kept in pens. they ‘re put in a ring to fight. They get cut up. And ripped up to the death and it’s disgusting. ”

Coffman-Garcia said their presence in the courtrooms is making a difference.

” We’re noticing the change and the mentality of the people throughout the valley. And the courts. We’re noticing the judge are taking animal abuse serious now. Cause it is…it’s a society problem. You know it’s not just a crime against animals.

Coffman-Garcia hopes others will join their cause.

Coffman-Garcia added, ” It takes a village. The more people in court the more attention we’ll bring to the case. ”

The DA’s office said that if you see any animals that are being abused or neglected to call your local authorities.