Cuyahoga County Launches Animal Crimes Unit

New unit to prosecute felony animal cruelty cases amid spike in abuse reports

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office has launched a specialized Animal Crimes Unit to address a sharp rise in animal cruelty cases across the county. The unit will support local police departments and animal welfare organizations in prosecuting felony offenses including cruelty, neglect, and dogfighting.

Why it matters

Animal cruelty cases have nearly doubled in Cuyahoga County over the past few years, prompting the creation of this new unit to better investigate and prosecute these crimes. The move demonstrates the county's commitment to protecting animals and holding offenders accountable.

The details

The Animal Crimes Unit will be led by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Isadora Almaro and Investigator Todd Staimpel, a retired Cleveland police detective. The number of defendants charged with animal cruelty has climbed from 40 cases in 2024 to 71 in 2025, a nearly 78% increase. The unit will review all cases involving crimes against animals and determine when prosecution is warranted.

  • The upward trend in animal cruelty cases began in 2022, when 25 individuals faced such charges.
  • The number of animal cruelty cases dropped slightly to 24 in 2023 before jumping to 40 in 2024.
  • In 2025, the number of defendants charged with animal cruelty reached 71 cases.

The players

Isadora Almaro

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney who will lead the Animal Crimes Unit.

Todd Staimpel

Retired Cleveland police detective who will serve as an investigator for the Animal Crimes Unit.

Michael C. O'Malley

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor who announced the creation of the Animal Crimes Unit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Creating this Animal Crimes Unit demonstrates our commitment to protecting animals and keeping these individuals accountable.”

— Michael C. O'Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.