National Dog Day and the Prosecutor’s Role in Animal Cruelty Cases
Recognizing the link between animal cruelty and public safety—and how prosecutors can lead the charge.
August 26 is National Dog Day—a celebration of the loyalty, love, and protection dogs offer us every day. It’s also a moment to reflect on how we protect them in return. At the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA), we recognize that cruelty against dogs is not just a crime against animals—it’s a crime of violence that demands serious attention.
APA’s Animal Cruelty Prosecution Program is built on the understanding that animal abuse often intersects with other forms of violence, including domestic abuse, child maltreatment, and sexual violence. Through training, technical assistance, and national convenings, APA equips prosecutors and allied professionals to hold abusers accountable and safeguard vulnerable victims—human and animal alike.
Upcoming Webinars: Learn, Connect, Act
To mark National Dog Day and continue our commitment to justice, APA invites you to join two powerful webinars this fall:
📅 September 18, 2025
WEBINAR: Chasing Monsters: Deviant Intersections of Animal Sex Abusers
Explore the disturbing overlap between animal sexual abuse and other deviant behaviors, and learn how to identify and prosecute these cases.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4ofKwHr
📅 September 25, 2025
WEBINAR: A Case for the Horses: Unraveling a Decade of Cruelty and Justice
Dive into a decade-long investigation and prosecution of equine cruelty, and discover lessons for building long-term cases.
🔗 https://bit.ly/40SZ1ab
🐶 APA’s 14th National Animal Cruelty Prosecution Conference
Join us November 5–7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA for APA’s flagship event on animal cruelty prosecution. This conference brings together prosecutors, law enforcement, veterinarians, and advocates for three days of training, collaboration, and innovation.
🎓 Scholarships are available to help offset travel costs—apply by September 19.
🔗 https://bit.ly/46Ccyqn
📍 Venue: Allegheny County Courthouse, Pittsburgh
🏨 Hotel: Embassy Suites (Group Rate Available)
📚 Explore APA’s Animal Cruelty Prosecution Resources
APA offers a growing collection of tools and training to support prosecutors and allied professionals in addressing animal cruelty. Visit our Animal Abuse Project Page and Resource Library for sample documents, legal summaries, and investigative guidance.
Stay informed—sign up for our newsletter to get updates on upcoming webinars, publications, and new resources.
Want full access to exclusive content, CLE-eligible trainings, and technical assistance? Join APA today and become part of a national community advancing justice for animals.
🐕 Dogs Deserve Justice
On National Dog Day, let’s recommit to protecting the animals who protect us. Whether you’re investigating cruelty, preparing for trial, or building a community response, APA is here to support your efforts.
📲 Learn more at www.apainc.org
Additional Info
Related Links : https://www.apainc.org/animal-abuse/