BUCHAREST, Romania– Humane World for Animals (formerly known as Humane Society International) in partnership with the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Border Police and with the support of the National Police Corps, has organized a new series of training sessions concerning animal cruelty and dogfighting.
Recently, more than 180 border police officers from across the country participated in the sessions held in Timișoara, Constanța and Iași.
The training sessions were led by Shalimar Oliver, case manager of the Animal Crimes Unit, and Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a veterinarian and forensics expert. Both presenters have extensive experience with animal cruelty investigations and dogfighting in the United States. Participants received training on identifying signs of abuse, collecting and documenting evidence, field intervention, and interagency collaboration in cross-border situations.
A substantial body of research over the last few decades, along with increasing attention to the relationship between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence, has led law enforcement authorities to take animal cruelty and dogfighting more seriously, not least because of their connections to other forms of criminal activity, including trafficking, weapons, drugs and organized crime.
“Combating animal cruelty also means combating violence and crime. Professional training for law enforcement personnel is essential for effective response to animal cruelty and dogfighting, as part of ensuring the greater protection of animals and humans, as well as the communities in which they live. We are grateful to our Romanian partner institutions for their commitment to this important work, and for the opportunity to support the training of police officers who play such a vital role in making our communities safer and better for us all, people and animals alike,” said Andreea Roseti, country director for Humane World for Animals Romania.
The General Inspectorate of the Romanian Border Police and the National Police Corps facilitated the participation of police officers from regional units across the country, as part of a commitment to ensure the wider dissemination of the knowledge and skills required for enforcement of the nation’s laws against animal cruelty and dogfighting.
Humane World for Animals remains committed to supporting Romanian authorities in their efforts to strengthen their capacity to prevent and investigate crimes against animals, while fostering broader cooperation among the institutions responsible for enforcing animal protection laws.
