Dead dogs dumping ground - 3/25/12PHOENIX (CBS5) -
Phoenix has launched an Animal Cruelty Task Force after last March's discovery of a dead dog dumping ground on private land in south Phoenix.
The Task Force, seated by Mayor Greg Stanton, is co-chaired by Councilwoman Thelda Williams and Councilman Michael Nowakowski.
"We have gathered together a group of passionate community leaders, local business owners and animal welfare experts to create a system that will ensure the safety and well-being of all animal residents of our city and state," Williams said.
Task force members said they expect a system in place by the end of December. Members aim to raise awareness about animal cruelty in the community and raise money for public-awareness campaigns. They also want to strengthen laws regarding animal welfare and cruelty.
"The plan includes a comprehensive public awareness campaign, providing first responder training and tool kits, and introducing legislative changes, Nowakowski said.
Task Force members include State Rep. Kate Brophy McGee and Deputy City Prosecutor John Tutelman. Other members include representatives from Cox Communications, the Arizona Human Society, Project Angel Eyes, the Human Society of the U.S. and Commander Tim Hampton of the Phoenix Police Department.
In late March, Phoenix Public Works employees said they removed 11 dead dogs from amid the trash dumped at the site near 15th Avenue and Baseline Road.
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