Animal Planet To Profile The Work Of New York's Unsung Protectors In "Animal Precinct"

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Wednesday, 6 June 2001

New 15-part series to allow viewers to ride along with the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement agents

In New York City today, some 41,000 police officers are asked to navigate a gamut of diverse cultures, languages and beliefs to serve the eight million people that reside in America's biggest metropolis. Within this mosaic, however, is a large population in need of protection that is often overlooked; the city's five million animals. Unlike their human counterparts, these animals are protected by a group of only 14 law enforcement officials who, until now, have done their important work in obscurity.

Beginning Tuesday, June 26, Animal Planet will bring this group's heroic efforts to light with the world television premiere of Animal Precinct. Narrated by Michael Madsen, this 15-part half-hour series will chronicle the drama, emotion, triumph and tragedy of the work of the agents of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's (ASPCA) Humane Law Enforcement Department (HLE), the only law enforcement group in New York City solely devoted to investigating crimes against New York's animal population.

From inside the HLE's headquarters, Animal Precinct will allow viewers to accompany the agents as they investigate some of the thousands of crimes that are reported to them each year. Led by Dale Riedel, a former New York City police commanding officer, Animal Precinct will chronicle the work of HLE agents Mark McDonald, Paul Romano, Annemarie Lucas, Joann Sandano, Mike Geller, and others. These investigators all possess a passion to prevent animal cruelty and punish perpetrators which serves as the driving force behind their work.

As Animal Precinct will vividly demonstrate, no two days are exactly alike for the HLE agents. With statewide jurisdiction, mainly concentrating in New York City's five boroughs, the HLE agents investigate cases of animal cruelty that cross geographic, economic and racial boundaries. Their cases might include the infiltration and destruction of dog fighting rings, the closing down of cockfighting facilities, and arresting perpetrators who are starving and abusing their animals. To do their jobs effectively, the agents must combine their investigative skills, compassion, tact and street smarts while dealing with people who are often uncooperative, unsympathetic and, at times, violent. All of their abilities, and more, will be on display throughout Animal Precinct.

Animal Precinct will make its world television premiere on Animal Planet on Tuesday, June 26, airing from 10-10:30 PM (ET/PT). The 15-part series will air Tuesday nights from 10-10:30 PM (ET/PT).

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org