In Norway, until 2015, the link between violence against animals and humans was not well known or acknowledged.
In 2015, political leaders launched a pioneering project by creating an "animal crime unit" consisting of a small group of police officers in a specific district. This unit was supposed to deal with cases of animal abuse and violence and to find the best way to collaborate with the Food Agency (agency also responsible for the control of animal welfare). In addition, a national cooperation agreement between the Food Agency and the police was to be set up. The special police service dealing with environmental crimes and offenses should also specialize in crimes against animals, as part of an increase in police skills.
The breakthrough achieved in 2015 was preceded by a campaign lead by NOAH for an "animal police" in Norway, recalling that the police almost never acted on any offence or crime against animals; and that when the authorities reacted to violence against animals, even for serious offenses, the sanction rarely went beyond a small fine or a sentence of two weeks to two months in prison (often conditional). Although the destruction of inert goods (fences, bicycles, etc.) was often sanctioned more severely. This was the case even though the animal protection law provided for a one-year sentence for the first offense and a three-year sentence for recidivism and serious offenses.
The NOAH campaign has achieved remarkable public support, and researchers have also begun to take a greater interest in it. NOAH organized a demonstration with the presence of well-known researchers who delivered speeches in parliament.
After that, the political party FrP organized a seminar inside the parliament with the same good speakers. In-depth political work has finally resulted in a majority in favour of the creation of an animal police unit in Norway, thus recognizing the need to take crime and crime against animals more seriously.
Comments 8
Audrey | Tuesday 19 February 2019
Michèle | Monday 18 February 2019
Joelle | Friday 15 February 2019
Magdalena | Friday 15 February 2019