The St. Ignatius Police Department has received national funds to address what it calls an “unending problem of animal cruelty within its boundaries.”

According to a release from department Animal Control Officer Susan Dodson, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has provided the agency with financial assistance to establish a professional development and training program for Dodson.

The release states that the funds will allow Dodson to attend training put on by the National Animal Control Association and better enable her to serve the town.