April is a Paralegal in the Felony Review Unit at the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore County. She became an integral asset in the preparation of animal cruelty cases in 2004 and later became the lead investigator of the Animal Abuse Unit. April has organized and led the Animal Abuse Training for Baltimore County Police, which began in 2014, as well as the Maryland State Police in 2015. April also has spoken to various audiences in reference to animal abuse; specifically, how to effectively investigate, report, and document the abuse to assist in prosecution. Mrs. Doherty is the co-Chair of the National Coalition on Violence Against Animals and works closely with the National Sheriff’s Association, also serving on their Domestic Violence Committee and Animal Cruelty Committees. She also serves on the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys’ Animal Cruelty Advisory Committee. April is also a Law Enforcement Trainer for the Humane Society of the United States, presenting on animal cruelty to police, animal control, as well as prosecutors across the Country. Said April, “It is important to educate about crimes against animals because there is a correlation, oftentimes seen in domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse, and also more recently human trafficking. Agencies should communicate with each other to cross-report incidents, collaborate on investigations, and cooperate so that all of the victims can find safety. The entire family should be included in investigations because today animals are considered by many to be a part of their family. Animals can be a tool in the tool shed, and do not require someone to be an animal lover; just the recognition of the victim’s family encompassing the pet.”
