The Atlanta Police Department now has an officer focused on handling animal cruelty cases.

Senior Police Officer Amy Soeldner will be the departments first Animal Cruelty Liaison Officer.

“The need for such a position intensified after a January dog attack in which a 6-year-old boy was killed and a 5-year-old girl was seriously injured while walking to school in southwest Atlanta,” the Police Department said. “The owner of the dog is facing criminal charges related to the attack.”

The Animal Cruelty Liaison Officer will work with officers, investigators, prosecutors, the community and other government agencies to investigate animal cruelty crimes, the press release says.

“Additionally, SPO Soeldner will work to educate young people on having empathy toward animals and work with police officers to educate them on the links between animal cruelty and other violent crimes such as domestic abuse,” the press release says.

Here is the full press release from APD: