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ANIMAL ABUSE IS A CRIME
Someone who abuses or mistreats a helpless animal will eventually exhibit the same kind of violent behavior towards vulnerable humans. Children who deliberately injure animals are not "just being kids". Serial killers invariably began their adult careers of violence as children who regularly abused animals. The FBI, for example, has discovered a high positive correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence. Investigating animal abuse and prosecuting offenders is recognized as an important element of law enforcement. A citizen should not hesitate to notify HVHS if he suspects someone is abusing an animal, is engaging in animal fighting or is engaging in animal sacrifice.
HVHS LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
New York State has delegated to HVHS, as a duly incorporated Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the statutory authority to appoint agents to enforce the State's anti-cruelty laws. Each agent must complete NYS mandated peace officer training, which includes police firearms instruction and classroom instruction in NYS substantive criminal law and criminal procedure. Two HVHS agents are instructors certified by the NYS Bureau of Municipal Police to provide in-service training for peace officers. Currently, HVHS has six Humane Agents, all of whom are residents of Rockland County. Humane Agents are volunteers who serve without compensation.
HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
* Investigate Animal Abuse and Neglect
Humane Agents investigate citizen-complaints of suspected cruelty or neglect. HVHS receives such calls daily. Complaints are investigated and appropriate action taken. Humane Agents can issue summonses and make arrests, but more often resolve the problem by convincing an animal's owner to voluntarily modify his behavior. Agents may seize an animal in imminent danger or may apply to a court for a search warrant or seizure order. In addition to complaints from concerned citizens, HVHS receives complaints from police and other government agencies, such as local health and building inspectors, and adult or child protection agencies. HVHS maintains a list of potential "problem" locations in Rockland County that its agents monitor regularly.
* Humane Education
HLE agents have conducted an in service training course on NYS animal protection laws at the Rockland County Police Academy. HLE currently provides the same training course to all cadets at the Police Academy. HLE provides speakers to government agencies and civic groups on humane law enforcement. Government agencies and civic associations who would like an agent to speak or if you are interested in peace officer training, please contact HLE at: 845-354-3124 or email: marc@hvhumane.org.
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