NYPD’s new tool in war on animal abuse

The NYPD on Monday unveiled a $500,000 mobile command post vehicle that will be used to help fight animal abuse.

The vehicle, typically sent to the scene of major crimes or incidents, is expected to help improve the work already being done by the department’s animal cruelty investigation squad, which often works closely with the ASPCA.

“It’s vital to the health of our city,’’ said Police Commissioner James O’Neill, and “toward maintaining the civility in our city.”

The command center has a conference room and space to carry collapsible cages, portable lights, leashes and chip readers for identifying lost animals by the electronic devices inserted below their skin.

“This will actually make life easier,” said Lt. Alan Ashby, who heads the squad.

Howard Lawrence of the ASPCA said the command center “will enable the NYPD to react quickly, more efficiently, build strong cases, to get them where they need to go.”

Police and the ASPCA at the end of 2013 launched a pilot program in the Bronx, with the NYPD taking the lead role in investigating complaints of animal cruelty. The ASPCA, in turn, stepped up its treatment efforts and placement initiatives.

The partnership was made permanent in 2014, and more than 700 people have been busted on animal cruelty charges since then, with about 3,000 abused animals treated citywide, police and the ASPCA said.