Animal cruelty cases surge as police fail to investigate

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the state of animal cruelty investigations in Baltimore. Caroline Griffin, the former chair of the mayor's anti-animal abuse advisory commission, highlighted the alarming decline in the police department's responsiveness to animal cruelty cases. She noted that only 11 cases had been prosecuted this year, despite numerous reports of severe animal suffering, including a recent case involving a dying dog abandoned near Green Mound Cemetery. Griffin criticized the police department for its inaction, which she argued violates their own policies and Maryland law regarding animal cruelty.

Griffin emphasized the need for a revived commission to effectively address these issues, calling for more frequent meetings and greater involvement from the city council in appointing commission members. She also advocated for increased funding for animal services, which she described as chronically underfunded.

Jen Brous, founder and executive director of Barks, the city's largest animal shelter, echoed Griffin's sentiments. She expressed concern over the commission's current purpose and effectiveness, noting that it had lost direction over time. Brous pointed out that the commission's reduced meeting frequency and the removal of Barks as a member could hinder its ability to combat animal abuse effectively.

Both Griffin and Brous urged for a collaborative approach to ensure that animal cruelty cases are taken seriously and that the necessary resources are allocated to support investigations and animal welfare services. The discussions underscored a pressing need for renewed commitment from city leadership to address animal abuse and improve the welfare of animals in Baltimore.