Aug 20, 2008 5:00 pm US/Eastern
Abused City Animals Get An Advocate
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham announced a new appointment aimed at taking on with the rising number of animal cruelty cases in the city.
Abraham said veteran prosecutor Barbara Paul has been made an Assistant District Attorney in charge of all animal cruelty cases.
Paul aims to impose higher fines and tougher sentences in hopes of stemming the growing problem.
"I'm thoroughly excited about doing work that I'm very passionate about," she said.
Paul previously worked in the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit as well as the Appeals Division. She said she currently cares for five rescued cats.
The PSPCA said it has been challenging summer as they have received harrowing reports of abuse from all over the area since launching their hotline (866-601-SPCA) earlier this year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)