Description: Discussion on the Animal Cruelty Unit & Regional Task Force and the involvement of the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) and a leading local veterinarian, examples of animal cruelty cases and the importance of educating the community on animal cruelty and how the public can help reduce and prevent animal cruelty.  Guests are Principal Criminal Attorney Hilary Bagley- Franzoia, Sacramento SPCA CEO Kenn Altine and Dr. Cheryl Scott from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Show Notes:  The group introduces themselves, their backgrounds and their personal passion and commitment to protecting animals. Guests talk about how they all work together on the Animal Cruelty Regional Task Force and the changes it has made to the investigation and prosecution of cases.  This includes the SPCA’s role in caring for the abused animals in criminal cases and offering rewards to help lead to arrests. Dr. Scott shares what types of cruelty, or suspected cruelty, she has seen come through the veterinary clinic and how she dealt with suspected cruelty as a mandated reporter.  She discusses ongoing types of animal cruelty and neglect and recent trends in trauma inflicted and the condition of animals. The group also discusses existing laws for animal cruelty cases, examples of animal cruelty cases and consequences for the offenders and the unique challenges with animal cruelty cases.  They also provide insight into what they feel is key to preventing animal cruelty and neglect, including educating children and the general public about how to properly treat and care for animals and what do if they suspect or witness animal cruelty and how to report it.  Guests also stress the proven and prevalent link between animal cruelty and violence against people with statistics and examples of cases – many involving domestic violence.  They close with the importance of continuing the accomplishments and progress made by the Animal Cruelty Unit and Task Force.    Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.