Animal Cruelty Unit

The District Attorney’s Office vigorously prosecutes cases involving suspected animal cruelty. Cases prosecuted range from summary charges where suspected animal abuse has occurred to felony dog fighting cases.

District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. and Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein created the Allegheny Abused Animal Relief Fund (AAARF) which has raised funds to provide humane care for animals that have suffered from cruelty. The Fund serves as a model for other counties that have started similar programs in their jurisdictions.