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ASPCA, NYPD Expand Pilot Program To Fight Animal Cruelty Citywide

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- After a successful pilot program in the Bronx, the ASPCA and the NYPD are expanding their joint effort to combat animal cruelty in the city.

The NYPD will now take the lead role in responding to and investigating all animal cruelty complaints citywide while the ASPCA will handle care, medical treatment, behavior assessments, rehabilitation, housing and adoption of any animal brought in by police.

"We are already on pace to save four to five times as many animals than the ASPCA has been able to do in recent history," ASPCA President Matthew Bershaker told 1010 WINS. "Not only does this partnership bring broader and significant enhancements to the protection of New York City's abused and neglected animals, it signals to the rest of the country the seriousness of animal cruelty and the need to prevent it."

To report animal cruelty in any of the five boroughs, the public can call 311 or submit an online complaint or call 911 to report animal cruelty in progress directly to the NYPD.

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