The Romanian Police and the National Corps of Police Officers have started a collaboration project with Humane World for Animals (formerly known and Humane Society International) in the general field of animal welfare.
The partnership started with organized trainings in the field of combating animal cruelty. The training was carried out in three sessions between October 22-29 in Bucharest, Sibiu and Slănic Moldova.
Approximately 150 police officers from animal protection units across the country benefited from the expertise of HSI specialists from the USA: Adam Parascandola, Vice President of the Animal Rescue Team at Humane World for Animals and Janette Reever, Manager of Programs, Investigations and Animal Crimes at Humane World for Animals. In this context, the Animal Protection Department was able to explore the potential of cooperation with external partners for the development of the police training system, in order to increase the efficiency of police activities.
The training sessions approached several major topics, such as the social danger posed by the phenomenon of violence against animals, both from the immediate perspective represented by the fact that this form of violence harms animals, but also from the more distant perspective represented by the fact that acts of cruelty against animals are very often the precursor of violence against humans. Thus, the trainees were provided with detailed information on animal cruelty, the link between animal abuse and other crimes, as well as models for investigations. In addition to analysing the legislation in force, the participants were given numerous case studies on animal cruelty, the steps applied in investigations and in documenting cases until their final conclusion.
During the courses, the police officers were able to gain knowledge about the factors that lead to animal cruelty, but also about the role of state institutions in combating this phenomenon.
"Through this partnership and the training sessions we want to contribute to strengthening the skills of those who protect animals in dangerous situations. People who abuse animals need to be aware that we have laws and that they will be held accountable," says Andreea Roseti, country director for Humane World for Animals Romania.
This partnership gives police officers the benefits of training from the perspective of professional responders in the field of animal protection. Such partnerships will continue to be explored in the future, consistent with the goals of institutional development within the Romanian Police and the wishes of the National Police Officers' Corps.