Foreigner in My Own Backyard by Travis Casey

These partnerships have allowed Casey to be intimately involved in educating and advocating for animal rights in Arizona and across the country. When he isn’t securing justice for those who do not speak, he is the chair of the Animal Law Section, and on the faculty of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Animal Cruelty Board in partnership with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. His passion for animals was recently acknowledged by the Animal Legal Defense Fund when they named him a Top Ten Animal Defender in the country among a list of top prosecutors, law enforcement officials, lawmakers and others who champion the cause of animal crime victims. I want to remove that danger and help not only to protect my community, but educate them on how we can do better.”Ĭasey’s commitment to seeking justice in these cases has not gone unnoticed. “When animals in a home are being abused or neglected, it is sometimes a warning sign that others in the household may be in danger. “Animal cruelty cases can be horrific – but prosecuting these cases is also extremely rewarding,” says Casey. These vulnerable victims are often abused by people they trust and they can’t complain or talk about what is happening.

Casey’s position is one of the most thankless in the office requiring strength and confidence to navigate these often-complicated cases involving defenseless animals. When that treatment rises to criminal conduct, that’s when MCAO prosecutor and animal crimefighter Casey Mundell steps in.Ĭasey is currently assigned to the Special Crimes Bureau in the Organized Crime Division and a large part of his caseload involves animal cruelty cases. Sadly, not all of these pets end up in loving homes and some are abused and mistreated. Nearly 70% of households in Maricopa County have pets and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control licenses nearly 400,000 dogs annually.

Foreigner in My Own Backyard by Travis Casey