In New York City today, police officers are asked to navigate a gamut of diverse cultures, languages and beliefs to serve the eight million people that reside in America's biggest metropolis. Within this mosaic, however, is a large population in need of protection that is often overlooked; the city's five million animals. Unlike their human counterparts, these animals are protected by a small group of law enforcement officials who, until now, have done their important work in obscurity.

Animal Precinct, narrated by Michael Madsen, chronicles the drama, emotion, triumph and tragedy of the work of the agents of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's (ASPCA) Humane Law Enforcement Department (HLE), the only law enforcement group in New York City solely devoted to investigating crimes against New York's animal population.

From inside the HLE's headquarters, Animal Precinct allows viewers to accompany the agents as they investigate some of the thousands of crimes that are reported to them each year. Led by Dale Riedel, a former New York City police commanding officer, Animal Precinct chronicles the work of HLE agents. These investigators all possess a passion to prevent animal cruelty and punish perpetrators that serves as the driving force behind their work.

Their cases include the infiltration and destruction of dog fighting rings, the closing down of cockfighting facilities, and the arrests of perpetrators who are starving and abusing their animals. To do their jobs effectively, the agents must combine their investigative skills, compassion, tact and street smarts while dealing with people who are often uncooperative, unsympathetic and, at times, violent. All of their abilities, and more, are on display throughout Animal Precinct.