MPD Officer works to end animal suffering with new training program

The Marysville Police Department's Animal Cruelty Investigation Training program, initiated in September, has trained over 460 officers across nearly 70 agencies to address animal abuse effectively. Officer Dave Vasconi stated that the primary objective is to rescue abused animals and ensure they receive proper medical care and future homes. Developed in partnership with Pasado’s Safe Haven and the Criminal Justice Training Commission, the program has significantly increased successful rescues and accountability for offenders. Vasconi expressed his deep passion for helping animals, emphasizing their reliance on humans for care. The training has received positive feedback from participants, underscoring its impact on law enforcement's approach to animal cruelty.

Each year, the Community Service Unit, led by Officer Vasconi, responds to numerous animal cruelty complaints, often resulting in arrests and rescues. The initiative not only aims to protect animals but also to educate officers on the complexities of animal cruelty investigations. Local residents are urged to report suspected animal cruelty by calling 911.