HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The recent expansion of a law has the Connecticut Department of Children and Families working together with animal control officers to report when animal or children have been abused.

Officials said Friday that almost nine out of 10 homes that have an abused animal also have a child who has been abused. Now, the hope is that agencies working together will help with investigations.

“This administration has taken the position that every report and every allegation gets investigated,” said Bryan Hurlburt, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The department launched 400 animal cruelty investigations last year.