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Vermont Animal Cruelty Task Force

The Vermont Animal Cruelty Task Force [VACTF] was pulled into existence due to the overwhelming burden of animal cruelty calls the office of the State Veterinarian was receiving and the many unanswered cruelty cases in Vermont. The mission of the VACTF is to coordinate Vermont's efforts to prevent and respond to animal cruelty. To accomplish this we have had the collaboration of multiple organizations including the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association, Department of Agriculture, Vermont Federation of Humane societies, Vermont Farm Bureau, Law Enforcement representatives, State's Attorney representative, Vermont League of Cities and Town and others. With this diversity sitting at the same table there is great potential to remedy many of the animal welfare issues in Vermont.

These cases are best dealt with locally so the Task Force is working to make it easier for towns to respond. To date legislation to allow municipal tickets to be issued for an animal cruelty situation has been passed. The VACTF is in the process of developing a Model Ordinance to assist towns in dealing with these animal issues. They are developing a comprehensive Cruelty Investigation Manual to be available to towns, law enforcement, shelters and veterinarians to facilitate and insure investigations are done well. There are also training workshops available to train humane officers throughout the state.

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