LANSING - Ingham County Animal Control and the Michigan Humane Society are teaming up to fight animal cruelty.

The Animal Cruelty Task Force aims to combine the resources of Ingham County Animal Control and the Michigan Humane Society to rescue animals who have been harmed and find the individuals behind the cruelty, abuse or neglect.

"We don't have a lot of resources as far as far as monetary rewards for cases where we don't have a lot of information, as well on the backside of the case as far as forensic veterinary services and other services such as that, so it kind of fit," said Andy Seltz, Director of Ingham County Animal Control.

This partnership stems from a case in Dansville where two dogs died after being abandoned in the woods and a current case of a pitbull being abandoned with a chain stuck in its neck.

"Those are the ones where the animals are exploited to the severest levels, and that's where we've come together to partner up and prevent these things from happening," said Seltz.

Often times, animals that have experienced abuse or cruelty come to shelters and get put up for adoption.

"We see all spectrums from what we consider minor neglect, maybe the animal hasn't been groomed for a year and now their toes are starting to grow or are too long, to really severe neglect and abuse where animals are obviously suffering and have been for a long time," said Julia Walsh, President and CEO of the Capital Area Humane Society.

The animal human bond is crucial and can be fostered in adoption, but also easily be broken in cases of cruelty and neglect.

"It sounds kind of crazy, but that bond is there, where I know my dog is there," said Seltz. "If an individual likes cats, the cat's there for them. Whatever the animal is, they know that there's just this bond, and when you see that shattered, it breaks your heart."

When it comes to adopting an animal that has been mistreated, patience is a virtue.

"You need a lot of patience when you're dealing with an animal who's been through abuse, they're gonna react to things that most animals may not react to," said Walsh

Animals that have been abused may react differently to loud noises and different ages and genders, depending on their previous experiences.

Anybody with information on animal cruelty cases is encouraged to call (517) 676-8376 or email ac_shelter@ingham.org.