FBI now keeping track of people who abuse animals

The FBI is cracking down on people who abuse animals.

Starting this year, the FBI is collecting detailed data on animal cruelty crimes from law enforcement agencies across the country.

A study by the Chicago Police Department revealed a connection between animal cruelty and human violence. Of those arrested for animal crimes, 65-percent had been arrested for battery against another person.

Unit Chief Amy Blasher says the Bureau partnered with the National Sheriffs' Association and the Animal Welfare Institute to make the change.

The FBI will collect several types of data on animal abuse, including organized abuse like dock and cock-fighting, and animal sexual abuse.

The change will take a year to implement and data will be available to the public starting in 2017.