After a young boy was killed by a dog who was running loose, the dog was shot and the dog’s “owner” and abuser was charged with manslaughter. Amy Soeldner, who is with the Atlanta Police Department, thought of a way to help. Not by banning or killing dogs, but by stopping cruelty and irresponsible people from having dogs.
She said, I want to educate officers on using nonlethal methods on animals. And I also want to educate them and the public about the link between animal cruelty as a precursor to more violent crimes such as domestic violence or school shooting. If someone abuses an animal and they’re not punished or caught or redirected, it emboldens them to go onto other crimes.
She’ll be investigating any kind of cases of animal cruelty. Her love for animals started when she found a dog in a box with a broken leg. She was able to get him veterinary care, and he became her companion animal for 16 years!
Officer Amy Soeldner, Courtesy of Atlanta Police Department
When we emailed Carlos Campos, Director of Public Affairs of the Atlanta Police Department, for permission to use the photographs, not only did he send us other photos, but he added this heartening response:
As an animal lover myself and proud dad to two dogs, I can tell you Amy’s passion, care and love for animals is unmatched. And so is her belief that people who abuse animals will also abuse humans. So this is important work.
Wildlife Watch totally agrees!