Ep 5. Hard Lessons (aka New Beginnings)

Animal Precinct is a documentary series that airs on the Animal Planet network. The third season is composed of 13 episodes, each of which focuses on the work of the New York City Animal Care and Control agency. In episode 5, titled "Hard Lessons," the officers and veterinarians of the agency deal with a series of challenging cases involving neglected and abused animals.

The episode opens with the Animal Care and Control team at a police station in Brooklyn, where they have been called in to investigate reports of an animal hoarder living in a nearby apartment building. The team enters the filthy, cluttered apartment to find dozens of cats and dogs crammed into every room. The animals are traumatized and many are suffering from malnutrition and untreated medical conditions. The officers set to work removing the animals from the apartment, documenting each case as they go. The hoarder is arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

The Animal Care and Control team then heads to a house in Queens, where they have received reports of a woman keeping a large number of birds in unsanitary conditions. The officers find the house filled with stacks of birdcages and bird waste covering the floors. The birds are in poor health, with many exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. The team works to remove the birds, documenting each animal's condition as they go. The woman is arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

The next case involves a neglected and emaciated dog found wandering in a park in the Bronx. The Animal Care and Control team brings the dog to a veterinary clinic for a checkup and treatment. The dog is severely underweight and suffering from an untreated skin condition. The veterinarians work to stabilize the dog's condition and provide the necessary medical care. The Animal Care and Control team then searches for the dog's owner, eventually locating them and citing them for neglect.

The final case of the episode involves a group of feral cats living in an industrial area of Brooklyn. The Animal Care and Control team sets up traps to catch the cats, who will then be spayed or neutered, treated for medical conditions, and released back into the wild. The officers explain the importance of managing the feral cat population in a humane and effective way.

Throughout the episode, the Animal Care and Control officers discuss the challenges they face in their work, as well as the gratification they feel when they are able to rescue animals from neglectful or abusive situations. The veterinarians provide insights into the medical aspects of the cases, explaining the treatments the animals require and the impact of neglect and abuse on their health. The officers and veterinarians also emphasize the importance of public awareness and education in preventing animal cruelty, and encourage viewers to report any incidents of suspected abuse or neglect to their local animal control agency.

Overall, "Hard Lessons" is a powerful and emotional episode that highlights the difficult work of the Animal Care and Control agency and the dedication of its officers and veterinarians. The episode raises important questions about animal welfare and the responsibility of pet owners to provide proper care for their animals. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the well-being of animals and the efforts of those working to protect them.