The Susquehanna SPCA is working with the District Attorney and law enforcement agencies to deal with the growing problem of animal abuse. Susquehanna SPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes explains the mission.

"The goal of this is to have an educational program that we can hopefully get to the root and end animal cruelty, but also when we do suspect animal cruelty, a proper system in place to address it quickly."

Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin tells animal cruelty is a growing problem in Otsego County.

"Unfortunately we’ve seen an increase in animal cruelty case. This has always been something for the last few years we’ve talked about, so we felt it was time, and we want to have some sort of standardization and training in the way we handle things."

Educating the public is another job the task force is faced with. For instance, when you see animals left out it in cold and snowy conditions, is it animal cruelty, and who do you call?

Stacie Haynes tells us who to call and when. "If people have questions about whether something is animal cruelty or not, they can call here, but if somebody is certain that animal cruelty is happening, the fastest way they’re going to get action is by calling law enforcement directly."

Sheriff Devlin says law enforcement is getting the message loud and clear.

"Since this has been announced we’ve an outpouring of support from the community that feels this is needed, so it seems like we’re doing the right thing because we got a lot of people that are saying this is long overdue."

If you have questions about animal cruelty in Otsego County, or suspect there 'may' be a cruelty case happening you can call the Susquehanna SPCA at 607 547-8111

If you 'see' animal cruelty happening you can contact the Otsego County Sheriff's Department at 607 547-4271 or contact your local law enforcement agency.