In the wake of recent cases of animal cruelty, Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice wants to crack down on offenders.

Rice says that her administration will support legislation to give more latitude to investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty. Rice adds that in the meantime, she will do her part to see that abusers of animals will be prosecuted harshly.

A charge of aggravated animal cruelty or fighting animals is a felony. However, Rice says many of those cases are often plea bargained down to misdemeanors with no jail time, which she hopes to change.

Related stories Roosevelt man accused of starving and torturing dogs