CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley is pleased to announce that the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office officially established the Animal Crimes Unit, led by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Isadora Almaro and Investigator Todd Staimpel, a retired Cleveland Police Department detective.

The Animal Crimes Unit provides investigative support to all police departments throughout Cuyahoga County, as well as Animal Control and the Cleveland Animal Protective League. In addition, the Unit reviews all cases involving crimes against animals and prosecutes when warranted.

“Creating this Animal Crimes Unit demonstrates our commitment to protecting animals and keeping these individuals accountable.”

– Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

The County Prosecutor’s Office has exclusive jurisdiction to charge and prosecute felony offenses of Revised Code Section 959.131, Cruelty to Companion Animals (Cruelty and Neglect), Revised Code Section 959.16, Dogfighting, and any misdemeanors under Revised Code Section 959.131 or 959.13 that are related to a felony case.

TO REPORT ANIMAL CRIMES PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND/OR ANIMAL CONTROL