The NYPD will be the new watchdog against animal abuse — and the rank-and-file is already barking mad about it, The Post has learned.

Early next year, the department will be the lead agency in charge of handling animal-cruelty complaints in the city.

“It’s just another pain in the ass,” fumed one police source. “It’s like they’re burdening the police with everything. The police can do this. The police can do that. Hey, we can do everything.”

Officers who respond to these complaints will be assisted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“Through this new collaboration, the ASPCA and the NYPD together will provide even more effective protection and prevention of cruelty to New York City’s animals,” said Matthew Bershadker, president of the ASPCA.

“The NYPD is equipped to do what the ASPCA simply cannot accomplish alone,” Bershadker added.

Police will be saddled with preventing these types of crimes from happening and providing the necessary resources to stop them.The ASPCA will primarily lend support to cruelty victims as well as give legal support and training.