Norwegian Government launches first animal police project
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture and Food
News story | Date: 28/04/2015
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, is making animal welfare a priority objective. The Ministries have chaired a joint commission to prepare measures strengthening the role of police in criminal cases of animal abuse.
The most important initiative is the animal police pilot project. The project will be assigned to South Troendelag Police Department, allowing a full judiciary process against those who commit crimes against animals.
- This may also prevent violence and abuse against humans. Animal cruelty is associated with domestic and intimate partner violence, hurting the innocent, says Minister of Agriculture and Food Sylvi Listhaug.
The Animal Police project will consist of a separate animal crime task force; allocated staff will support animal crime police work to minimize impact on customary law enforcement. The regional FSA (Food Safety Authority) will also establish an independent crime team to bolster the animal crime police group effort.
The purpose of the animal police project, commencing September 1st this year, is to ensure that perpetrators of serious crime against animals must face prosecution and sanctions.
Another important measure in the effort against animal crime is a binding agreement between the FSA and the police. The agreement will establish a clear mandate for various levels of interagency exchange between the FSA and the police, and aid the Ministires in developing future policies.
