This Cute Pet

ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, a letter


FIGHT ANIMAL CRUELTY
Letter from Ed: December 11, 2007

I am very proud to share some extremely exciting news with you. As I hope many of you saw this morning on NBC’s “Today” show, the ASPCA today unveiled a “forensics first”—the nation’s first-ever “Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit.”

This is a specially-designed vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools as well as medical equipment tailored to animal patients and the victims of crimes. The vehicle will help us to significantly advance the prosecution of animal cruelty in this country, by incorporating the emerging field of veterinary forensics in crime scene investigations—truly bringing the fight against animal cruelty into the 21st century.

The mobile forensic vehicle will operate under the leadership of the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian, the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck, who, as you may know, is the nation’s only “animal CSI,” and who most recently assisted Federal authorities in the Michael Vick investigation. The mobile unit, which will be available to assist at crime scenes nationally, will allow Dr. Merck to examine and care for animals found at suspected crime scenes, and includes a surgical suite for animals in need of urgent care.

Also today, we announced that the ASPCA will break ground on the nation’s first Anti-Cruelty Institute in New York in 2008. This institute will be dedicated to educating veterinarians and law enforcement officials with specialized training necessary to recognize and respond to animal cruelty. The facility, scheduled to open in 2010, will include a forensic laboratory and veterinary hospital, a treatment center for animals who are victims of cruelty, as well as educational training and other programs.

The Mobile Animal CSI Unit and the Anti-Cruelty Institute are two new milestones in our ongoing fight against animal cruelty—a way for us to renew our pledge until we truly live in a humane community, where animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve. Do join us in our pledge and help us spread the word—and visit us often for updates on this new initiative. We could not do this without your support—so thank you, each and every one of you, for everything you do for the animals and the “A.”

Sincerely,


ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres