I think there should be a mandatory psychological evaluation, particularly for juveniles.

Get them help, before they start hurting human beings (usually women &/or children).

I think there needs to be a solid common ground between law enforcement and animal-rescue/rights professionals. While it's true that animals are considered property, everyone assigned to the task force must be aware that animals are sentient beings just as humans are and should receive no less consideration. Perhaps similar collaborations in other cities (I'm thinking of "Animal Cops" and shows like that) would be a good model.

I LOVE Animal Cops. Animal Cops Baltimore would be most excellent! -- Jill

what about creating a task force to help stop all the people from killing other people? don't get me wrong, animal torture and animal killing is disgusting, but what does it say about a city that seems to be more concerned with stopping animal abuse than stopping human murders?

"what about creating a task force to help stop all the people from killing other people?"

That's what the Police are already there for. By default, the Police and other law enforcement agents are there to protect people. That's the reason a special animal task force is needed. Also, as many others have posted, stopping animal cruelty is the 1st step to stopping criminals that would hurt people.

I think it is very important that every person with a dog should have them registered and the owners should have to take a class on raising and proper care for the animal. If the police see a person without the tags the dog should be held until the class is completed. In addition, anyone who is caught doing anything bad to animals should be prosecuted the same way as if they would have assaulted a human. In the inner city there seems to be a lack of love or respect for animals which is a trickle down affect stemming from lack of love and proper discipline in the home. Kids are kids, but ignorance is ignorance. This must be stopped and I will do all I can to help.