MACOMB CO., Mich. (WXYZ) — Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith announced Monday he and other law enforcement, government officials and animal rights advocates have put together a task force to address animal abuse in the county.
P.A.W.S., or Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety, is the first multi-jurisdictional animal abuse prevention task force in the state, according to a media release.
The task force was initiated after a recent increase in animal abuse cases, one in particular being the death of Sterling the dog in Utica.
“A significant increase in the number and severity of criminal animal abuse cases throughout Macomb County played a critical role in the creation of P.A.W.S.,” Smith said. “During my tenure as prosecutor, I have not seen a case that has touched a community more than the heinous stabbing-murder of Sterling.”
Alexander Gerth was convicted and sentenced up to six years in prison for the torture and killing of Sterling earlier this year.
Senator Pete Lucido, R-Shelby Township, is a member of the task force. He also recently introduced legislation that will expand the criminal code to allow for prosecution of individuals that conspire to commit animal abuse.
“Macomb is a community built on family, grit, and resilience,” Lucido said. “We must fight to protect all members of our family, including our pets, who provide us so much love.”
