Photo by Gregory Bacon Pictured are area police, elected officials, members of the Chautauqua County Humane Society and others who attended Friday’s news conference regarding animal cruelty prevention and welfare efforts.

In 1905 the Chautauqua County Humane Society was formed to prevent the abuse of horses in the city of Jamestown.

While there are no longer any horses in the city, the Humane Society’s fight against animal abuse continues.

Now there’s a new “tool” in that fight.

During a news conference Friday, Sheriff Jim Quattrone introduced Deputy Jim Andin who is the new officer that will be focused on animal cruelty cases.

In January the Chautauqua County Legislature officially began funding a deputy to focus on animal cruelty.

“These cases are complicated, which is why we felt we needed a dedicated deputy to handle animal cruelty,” Quattrone said. “Many of our deputies are out there and get a brief overview of animal cruelty laws when at the Academy, but you really need specialized training. That’s what we’re doing with our current animal cruelty deputy.”

Andin will be working with a vet technician, assessing cases, to see if an animal is being given proper food, water and shelter, as well as proper medical treatment.

Quattrone said if someone suspects an animal is being abused, that person can go to the Chautauqua County Humane Society’s website and report potential abuse (under the “Get involved” tab.) Residents are also welcome to call the Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number at 716-753-4231, or 911 if it truly is an emergency.

Quattrone said it’s not just cats and dogs they investigate. It can be farm animals or exotic pets as well.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is the designated housing and care provider for the county.

One of the biggest issues is the lack of space available. Quattrone noted that sometimes they will seize a dozen or more animals and they have to be housed at the Humane Society, which can create a burden for the organization, which operates on donations.

Humane Society Executive Director Jane Babinsky said they are “honored” to partner with the Sheriff’s Office, saying what law enforcement does fits within their vision as an organization. “The bottom line is helping the innocent victims of abuse and neglect,” she said.

Babinsky said they hope to be able to expand their building in the next three years, but admitted that even with an expansion, space will still be tight.

State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, was in attendance at the news conference and said it’s important that animal abusers are prosecuted.

He noted that some people who abuse animals have mental illness. Others run into financial constraints and no longer have the ability to care for an animal.

But there are others, Borrello said, that “just have evil in their hearts.”

Borrello continued, noting that many serial killers start as animal abusers.

“Addressing this issue now and holding people accountable for their actions can help prevent further tragedies,” Borrello said.

Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, agreed.

“Studies show that individuals who harm animals are more likely to commit acts of violence against people,” he said.

James Feldmann, representing Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, noted that in the past few years the county has added school resources officers, added an unsolved cases unit, created a re-entry hub for individuals released from jail, and now has a dedicated officer to address animal cruelty.

“This is a significant step for our county – one that reflects a shared commitment to protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” he said.