September 17, 2014

Today Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District released the following statement in response to FBI Director James Comey's approval of the Advisory Policy Board’s recommendation to include animal cruelty crimes in the FBI National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). In June, Titus sent a letter to Attorney General Holder expressing concerns about the growing number of unreported crimes committed against animals in the United States, and inquiring about what the Department is doing to combat, monitor, and report on animal cruelty crimes.

“I applaud the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for recognizing the importance of including animal cruelty crimes in the FBI National Incident Based Reporting System. The FBI’s ability to collect data on these crimes not only enhances law enforcement’s ability to monitor and analyze trends, but will also provide evidence-based resources to study the known connection between animal cruelty crimes and other types of violent crime. This is a significant step forward for animal welfare, our law enforcement agencies, and our communities at large.”

Full text of the letter to Attorney General Holder can be read here:

June 25, 2014

Dear Attorney General Holder, 

I write you today with concerns about the growing number of crimes committed against animals in the United States and to inquire about what the Department of Justice is doing to combat, monitor, and report on animal cruelty violations. 

Animal cruelty is a crime throughout the United States and certain types of animal cruelty are felonies in 47 states, including the District of Columbia. Forty three of the 47 state felony provisions are first-offense provisions. Four are second-offense felonies (Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, and Pennsylvania). However, there is no national reporting system for animal abuse. Reports and statistics are based mainly on public media reports; the numbers suggest that animal abuse is common in both rural and urban areas, and cruelty and neglect cross socio-economic boundaries.

Most cases of animal cruelty are never reported, and the extent of animal abuse in the United States is unknown. This is unacceptable; the federal government has fallen short in tracking animal cruelty. We can and should be doing more to prevent crimes against animals, track crimes, and identify trends in our communities. 

Animal cruelty goes far beyond poor conditions at large-scale breeding facilities, neglectful owners, or organized dog fights. Just this year, a local pet shop owner in Nevada’s 1st Congressional District in Las Vegas set fire to her pet shop, with 27 puppies locked inside. From the limited information we have about animal cruelty crimes, we also know that individuals who have a history of pet abuse are at greater risk of becoming a domestic batterer, and children exposed to domestic violence have been shown to be more likely to be cruel to animals. 

These are important criminal trends that we should be able to track and analyze, as they cross all socio-economic and geographic boundaries throughout the United States. Accordingly, I respectfully request that you provide me with information about what the Department of Justice is doing to ensure that animal cruelty crimes are being combated, reported, and tracked at the national level. 

Sincerely, 

Dina Titus
Member of Congress