MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Animal rights advocates are applauding a new move by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
He told ABC24 about a new position that will be solely dedicated to cracking down and prosecuting animal abusers.
Experts say the animal cruelty problem is worsening in the Memphis area in recent years.
"I think this is the best way to bring in 2023 with more proactive help for animal cruelty cases," Nina Wingfield - an animal cruelty investigator - told ABC24 Thursday.
Wingfield said she's seen firsthand the impact of neglect and torture of our furry friends.
"You lose a lot of sleep, it's devastating," Wingfield said.
That's why Wingfield is excited to learn Mulroy's announcement for former Judge Donna Fields to focus exclusively on animal cruelty cases, investigations and prosecutions.
"My hope is that we send a signal with the animal abuse," Mulroy said.
Both Mulroy and Wingfield said local animal abuse cases became more rampant in recent years but they've been difficult to prosecute for many reasons, including a lack of dedicated resources.
The addition of Fields looks in the D.A.'s office looks to change that.
"We just need more cruelty investigators out there that know the law," Wingfield said.
As the new Shelby County animal abuse case manager begins her work, Wingfield said she and other investigators are also ready to assist.
"What we need to do is not just save the animals, we can you know maybe help the immediate animals but we need to prevent these people from ever owning another animal and that can only be through winning your court cases," Wingfield said.
Memphis Animal Services Director Alexis Pugh told ABC24: "We are interested in hearing more from D.A. Mulroy about his plan to hold citizens who commit animal cruelty accountable for their actions. Having the support of prosecutors to seek meaningful sentences is critically important to us at MAS and should matter to all citizens, as we know a strong link exists between people who abuse animals and commit other violent crimes."