CCSAO Hosts First Regional Animal Anti-Cruelty Summit to Combat Animal Abuse
In partnership with Humane World for Animals, prosecutors launch first-of-its-kind training for Cook County
CHICAGO – The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, has hosted the region’s inaugural Animal Anti-Cruelty Summit, an intensive conference designed to provide law enforcement and humane professionals with enhanced skills to ensure more effective animal cruelty prosecutions.
The Summit, held Nov. 10, 2026, featured expert speakers who represented a wide range of organizations, including Chicago Animal Control, the Chicago Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More than 100 professionals from across Illinois attended the summit to participate in trainings on topics including:
- Recognizing and documenting animal cruelty and fighting
- Understanding applicable laws
- Identifying and preserving evidence
- Building strong cases for prosecution
- Working with experts and building relationships
“Animal cruelty cases are uniquely complex and tragic,” said SA Burke. “Those who commit these depraved acts of violence must be brought to justice swiftly and efficiently, especially because we know that animal cruelty is often tied to other kinds of violent crime.”
“Animals suffering from cruelty and organized fighting depend on investigators who know what to look for and how to build a strong case,” said Marc Ayers, the Illinois State Director at Humane World for Animals. “Our resources give law enforcement professionals practical tools to uncover abuse, preserve evidence, and hold offenders accountable. We’re proud to partner with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to strengthen the response to animal cruelty and help make our communities safer.”
To provide increased focus on these cases, SA Burke created an Anti-Animal Cruelty Specialist program in June, housed within the CCSAO’s Multi-Jurisdiction Bureau. The program, comprised of more than 20 prosecutors who received training on animal-specific legal and forensic issues, aims to facilitate more reporting and successful prosecution of animal-related crime, which is often tied to violent crime, human trafficking, and financial crime. The CCSAO also works closely with law enforcement and animal control to ensure seizures and safe environments for affected animals.
In 2026 alone, the CCSAO has prosecuted more than 25 new felony animal-cruelty cases. That includes the April 2026 conviction of Nicholas Protho on several counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, gun possession, and possession of a controlled substance. Protho received concurrent sentences of three years for animal cruelty and seven years for gun possession. Two months later, the CCSAO secured the conviction of Thomas Martel on charges of animal torture and aggravated cruelty to animals for torturing and killing several kittens.
Throughout her administration, SA Burke has prioritized modernizing the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, strengthening collaboration both between Bureaus and other justice system stakeholders, and ensuring prosecutors are fully equipped to address the growing complexity of criminal cases. In addition to creating the Anti-Animal Cruelty Specialist Program, SA Burke has led innovative initiatives such as the creation of a brand-new Digital Forensics Lab, the Victim Services Bureau, and the Regional Transit Task Force.
Picture from the Summit is available for publication, attributable to Cook County State's Attorney's Office.