Animal Folks

Animal Cruelty Research GOAL: To research animal cruelty cases and issues pertaining to crimes against animals and provide credible Minnesota-specific data to the public, agencies, and organizations upon request. 2024 Strategies and Actions * Animal Cruelty Databank - Ongoing: Work continued on the animal cruelty databank, including requests to the judicial office for animal cruelty cases (convictions and disposition), coding of cases, and initial analysis of data. Cases are used to support education on cruelty and the link to human violence. * Data Requests - Import/Export/Regulatory law: Animal Folks submitted data requests to various states and to the federal government (FOIA-USDA) to obtain data on Minnesota dog breeding facilities and other licensees. This data is used in testimony and educational efforts to illustrate where puppies are sourced. * Data Requests - Criminal law: Numerous data requests were also made to local police departments/sheriff offices for documents related cases of animal cruelty. * General topics: Animal Folks researches a variety of topics to build data when pursuing initiatives, such as care and needs of elephants at traveling entertainment venues in MN, care of ostriches, camels and other exotic animals used at "animal races" in MN; and care of wallabies, cloths, porcupines, and more at for-profit venues, such as SeaQuest, within shopping malls.

Criminal and Civil Justice GOAL: To investigate and report suspected or known animal cruelty (or related crimes against animals) and provide input to criminal and civil cases throughout the legal process. 2024 Strategies and Actions * Victim Advocacy - Ongoing: Animal Folks provided assistance to multiple Minnesotans who requested help in filing animal cruelty complaints or consumer protection complaints after purchasing a sickly animal.

Animal Law Resources GOAL: To foster professionalism and competency by providing training, resources, and support to Minnesota authorities responsible for the enforcement of animal law. 2024 Strategies and Actions * Judicial materials - Ongoing: Animal Folks wrote an animal cruelty chapter for the Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook in 2021; this chapter is updated yearly. Update completed in 2024. The Benchbook is used by judges and prosecutors while conducting legal research on Minnesota criminal laws and related issues. * Animal Cruelty Training for Veterinary Students - Ongoing: For the fifth year, Animal Folks worked with veterinarians at the University of Minnesota to teach senior veterinary students about animal cruelty and how to identify, document, and report suspected or known animal cruelty. * Animal Cruelty Training for Law Enforcement - Animal Folks worked with peace officers, law enforcement leadership, and academic institutions to begin assessing the needs for training on animal cruelty investigations, building curriculum, and determining costs for implementation.

Outreach & Communication GOAL: To educate the public on animal law and cruelty issues and enhance communication and cooperation between various stakeholders involved in the enforcement of animal law. 2024 Strategies and Actions * State event - Animal Folks hosted a booth again at the Minnesota State Fair to promote BE KIND TO ANIMALS and our efforts to gain supporters for animal protection. Multiple volunteers helped staff the booth, hear visitor stories, and answer questions. Giveaways and materials for education and distribution were created. At the booth, over 2,400 Minnesotans signed on to support to Animal Folks' efforts, representing all areas of the state. * Local events - Animal Folks participated in local events and conferences for outreach and education about animal cruelty, including the MN Chiefs of Police Association, MN Sheriffs' Association Conference, Office of Justice Conference on Crime and Victimization, Ruff Start Rescue's Tails & Trails event, Tri-County Humane Society Conference, and more. * Ongoing - Animal Folks continued to create and send a monthly newsletter about animal issues and cruelty prevention efforts, social media posts, and website updates.