Downtown

Brooklyn ADA wins kudos from ASPCA

December 13, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Elizabeth Brandler (left), legal advocacy senior counsel for the ASPCA, presents a certificate to Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney Karen Turner. Photo courtesy of ASPCA
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As part of her job, Karen Turner, an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn, prosecutes cases against defendants charged with cruelty to animals.

Turner, who serves as the chief of the Animal Cruelty Unit in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, was recently lauded for her work by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at the organization’s annual luncheon.

Turner was one of 17 law enforcement individuals who received awards from ASPCA at the event.

She has been an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn since 1999 and was tapped to head the new Animal Cruelty Unit when it was formed in 2016.

In her role as unit chief, Turner works closely with NYPD and with ASPCA to investigate and prosecute of all animal-related crimes in Brooklyn.

She was cited for her strong commitment to protecting animals in Brooklyn, according to ASPCA.

Deputy Chief James Luongo of NYPD’s Special Investigations Division, was also among the award winners.

Luongo was honored for his commitment to the NYPD-ASPCA Partnership, a program launched in 2014 to promote cooperation between the police and those who work to save animals.

Since it began, the NYPD-ASPCA Partnership has saved more than 2,500 animals, according to ASPCA.

Luongo has participated in numerous training sessions, according to ASPCA, which noted that his presence ensures that animal welfare is a priority with NYPD.

His oversight of NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad has resulted in an increased focus on animal fighting as well as other animal cruelty-related crimes in New York City.

Turner, Luongo and the other honorees attended a luncheon at the ASPCA’s Adoption Center, where they were presented with appreciation awards.

“The 17 men and women we’re honoring today were champions this year for animals across New York City,” said Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “They helped engage their colleagues and citizens in concrete ways to combat animal cruelty and were instrumental in building more actively engaged, safe and humane communities.”

ASPCA, which was founded in 1866, is the first animal welfare organization in North America. The nonprofit organization boasts more than 2 million members.

ASPCA also offers community outreach and animal health services.

For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org

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