NATCHEZ — Animal advocates across Mississippi will now have a better opportunity to share the love.

The Humane Society of the United States has created a new position in Mississippi, state director, to increase statewide communication between animal organizations.

Kiln resident Lydia Sattler started her job as state director in April, and a recent visit to Natchez-Adams Humane Society and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office were some of the first steps she took at her new post.

Sattler said she looks forward to working with local law enforcement and the state legislature in addition to animal organizations.

Sattler said the creation of the Mississippi Animal Protection Alliance will allow every type of animal agency to share ideas, work together and pool resources.

She said she will probably schedule a meeting in August for animal control officers, shelter directors and animal rescue organizers in every county south of Jackson.

The purpose is to make sure no one feels like they are working alone, Sattler said.

“By helping each other, we can be better at what we do,” she said.

The passage of legislation making animal cruelty a felony is one issue likely to recieve the attention of the alliance, Sattler said.

She said currently, Mississippi, Idaho and North and South Dakota are the only states where animal cruelty is not considered a felony.

As director, Sattler will also head the new Mississippi Horse Welfare Coalition, which will work to provide assistance to horse owners and horses in need.