The Central California SPCA is pleased to announce that we now have a team of three Humane Officers. Animal Control Manager, Jason Lindsey has been appointed as a new Humane Officer and former Humane Officer, Rudy Gonzalez has been re-appointed in January 2013. They join together with Humane Officer, Jesse Boyce, who was sworn in just this past December.
Jason Lindsey started working at the CCSPCA as the graveyard Animal Control Officer in July 2005. He quickly climbed through the ranks, impressed our staff, and was sent for Humane Officer training.
“My main goal is to get animals out of bad situations,” said Lindsey.
Rudy Gonzalez began working for the CCSPCA in 1997. Like Lindsey, he was a hard worker and began advancing within the shelter. Throughout his years with the CCSPCA, he has handled many cases and cared for many animals.
Becoming a Humane Officer in the state of California is no small feat. To begin the process of becoming a Humane Officer the prospective officer must be appointed by a humane society or SPCA. They must complete required coursework and training such as the Basic Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy. They must also take a law enforcement course which consists of arrest laws. This training includes 20 hours of animal care provided by the California Veterinary Medical Association approved institution, 40 hours of state humane law training provided by a law enforcement agency, and 40 hours of peace officer training in the arrest component of the Penal Code 832 course.
This appointment is only valid for three years. After that time has lapsed, the Humane Officer may choose to take continuing education services to allow that officer to remain in good standing.
“As a Humane Officer I respond to cruelty complaints and conduct investigations,” said Gonzalez. The team will handle a copious amount of cases monthly for not only the City of Fresno, but all throughout the County as well. They take statements from animal owners, neighbors, the police department, and other law enforcement agencies related to the case to determine how it should be handled. Some cases may be a simple lack of education on how to take care of and handle the animal. Other than in extreme cases of cruelty and neglect, the officers will always try to educate the owners before resorting to the removal of the animal from their care.
“Removing an animal from their owner is like removing a child from their parents,” said Gonzalez. He tries to avoid removal if possible, however, will push for prosecution of the owners if need be.
Other cases, can be far more complex and take months, even years to process, such as the situation of several horse seizures occurring in 2011. One of those cases is just now coming to trial within the court system and our Humane Officers will play a critical role in what will hopefully result in a conviction.
As Humane Officers, Lindsey and Gonzalez will have the authority to file cases for the CCSPCA directly to the District Attorney’s office rather than having local law enforcement file cases for us. This will hopefully streamline the process and result in more prosecutions for animal cruelty and neglect.
For a long time we have struggled with having law enforcement follow through with animal cruelty and neglect cases. With a team of three Humane Officers, we will now have the power and authority to directly deal with these cases. We will have a stronger influence to change the the lives of the animals in our community and to protect them from cruelty and abuse.
by Sasha Bell