Last week, Pittsburgh welcomed over 115 dedicated professionals for the 14th National Animal Cruelty Prosecution Conference, hosted by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) in partnership with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Prosecutors, law enforcement, veterinarians, and allied experts gathered for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration—all united by a commitment to protecting vulnerable animal victims and strengthening justice in our communities.

Conference Highlights

The conference featured a dynamic mix of sessions designed to address the most pressing challenges in animal cruelty prosecution. Some of the standout sessions included:

• Creative Legal Strategies: Attendees explored innovative approaches to charging and anticipating defense tactics, gaining practical tools to build stronger cases and overcome common hurdles in the courtroom.
• Complex Investigations: A hands-on session walked participants through the intricacies of processing large and complicated crime scenes, including hoarding cases. The discussion emphasized efficient evidence collection, report writing, and lessons learned from real-world scenarios.
• Digital Evidence Deep Dive: With technology playing an ever-increasing role in investigations, this session focused on the latest trends in digital forensics—covering jail calls, social media, AI-related evidence, and best practices for introducing digital evidence in court.
• Farm Animal Protection: This session challenged common misconceptions about prosecuting cruelty and neglect involving farm animals, highlighting the importance of equal protection under the law for all species.
• Wildlife Crime Challenges: Participants learned about the unique difficulties of investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes, including remote locations, low penalties, and the need for interagency collaboration.
• Ethics in Prosecution: The conference closed with a thoughtful discussion on the ethical responsibilities of prosecutors in animal cruelty cases, emphasizing integrity, sound judgment, and best practices for upholding justice.

Throughout the event, attendees also benefited from networking opportunities, collaborative roundtable lunches, and an evening reception that fostered new partnerships and connections.

Conference Awards

This year, APA also presented the 2025 Unity Awards and honored three outstanding leaders, David Rosengard, Nicole Jergovic, and Sherwin Safir, for their exceptional dedication to protecting society’s most vulnerable victims. Each recipient was recognized for uniting prosecutors and allied professionals in the national effort to combat animal cruelty. Their passion and expertise have strengthened collaboration and inspired others across the justice system. Through their work, they have made meaningful strides toward creating a safer and more compassionate nation for animals.

By the Numbers

• 115+ attendees from across the country
• Three days of expert-led sessions and interactive workshops
• Countless connections made to advance animal protection

Thank You

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this conference—your dedication and expertise are driving real change for vulnerable animals nationwide.

Photo Highlights

Enjoy the photos below capturing memorable moments, engaging sessions, and the spirit of collaboration throughout the conference.

Stay Connected & Get Involved

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We look forward to seeing you at next year’s conference and continuing this important work together!