Animal police trials gave stricter penalties

Minister of Justice, Public Security and Immigration Tor Mikkel Wara (Progress Party).Photo: Terje Bendiksby / NTB scanpix

KCloser cooperation between the police and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on cases of animal crime has yielded better results, according to a report.

 

In an interdisciplinary project, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in Trøndelag established its own crime group and the police have their own animal crime group who have been actively working for three years. In the project report, which was completed on Wednesday, it appears to have produced several positive results of the experiment. The aim of the cooperation was to improve animal welfare.

In addition to allegations of stricter penalties, in line with the practice of the Supreme Court, the two agencies emphasize that both have gained knowledge about and awareness about criminal animal cases. Furthermore, it has led to faster reporting of criminal matters and better documentation and evidence.

Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara (Frp) is positive about the cooperation.

“Animal welfare is an important matter in itself, but it is also important to note that some of the people who use or abuse animals can also execute other crimes, such as on human beings. By arresting those who commit animal welfare crimes, the police will therefore also be able to intervene and prevent other serious crimes,” Wara said.

The staff inspectors in the Food Safety Authority have had to learn a lot of new things and methods to ensure and collecting proof. Among other things, they have been taught to take good pictures and the importance of them to document their findings when they are at the crime scene or sites.

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today