The NYPD is finally taking a lead role in animal cruelty investigations — and will even assign detectives to the most serious cases, according to a new order by Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.
Department bosses dragged their feet for weeks in taking the reins from the ASPCA, which gutted its law enforcement unit and believed the NYPD would take over its duties on Jan. 1.
Mayor de Blasio said last week he would speak to Bratton about the lapse — which was first reported by The Post — and a day later the top cop sent the sweeping memo to everyone from rank-and-file officers to precinct supervisors.
The Jan. 22 memo states that cops must visit all locations where animal abuse is reported to interview witnesses and observe the animal and its living conditions.
“Refer major cases or cases requiring the expertise of the Detective Bureau to the precinct detective squads,” Bratton wrote.
When an animal is removed to the ASPCA for examination, a patrol supervisor must show up, the order states.
Bratton’s order specifies the state laws that can be used to confiscate animals, make arrests and issue desk appearance tickets.
If cops suspect neglect, but don’t find any evidence of abuse, they are required to instruct pet owners on proper care and handling of animals.
“If it’s necessary to remove an animal for further investigation but no probable cause exists, ask the owner if they are willing to voluntarily surrender the animal,” according to the memo.
Every command’s special operations lieutenant must track complaints of animal abuse, assign a cop to investigate and make sure the call has been dispatched.
Higher-ups will also have to confer monthly with the ASPCA to discuss each month’s activity regarding animal cruelty cases.
An animal abuse liaison, chosen by the NYPD chief of patrol, will make sure all complaints of animal abuse are assigned to cops and followed through.
The guidelines were distributed to all commands in the city last week and became effective immediately.
The new order has left some police personnel barking mad.
“No one likes this. What? We don’t have anything better to do? We’re officially pet detectives now — Ace Ventura,” griped one police source, who added, “It’s crazy.”
Another police source fumed, “It’s another f–king headache on top of the work that we already do for people. It’s a waste of time, but the city didn’t want to pay for the ASPCA investigators anymore.”