Humane Law Enforcement

spcaLA Humane Officers investigate animal cruelty cases, prosecute animal abusers and educate the public on how to properly care for their animals. The Humane Officers get their powers from the California Corporations Code 14502, and can exercise the powers of a peace officer while investigating any crimes involving animals. The State of California requires that Humane Officers attend a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy for a level one armed position, or a P.O.S.T. certified P.C. 832 firearms and arrest course for a level two unarmed position.

what is a spcala humane officer?

 

Highly trained, sworn personal spcaLA Humane Officers may exercise the powers of a peace officer anywhere in the State of California while investigating animal cruelty. Humane officers are appointed by the state and undergo substantial training in animal cruelty law, and have either completed a POST Basic Police Academy before being appointed (Level 1) or P.C. 832 (Level 2), and also have to complete additional education and training throughout their careers. spcaLA Humane Officers have the distinct reputation for being leaders in their field and are regularly called on for their expertise in complex animal law enforcement matters.

spcaLA Humane Officers can issue citations, make arrests, file criminal charges with local and county prosecutors, and can serve warrants. spcaLA has jurisdiction throughout Los Angeles County and actively assists in the southern California region. However, spcaLA Humane Officers may enforce animal welfare laws anywhere within the State of California.

Because the appointment of Humane Officers in Los Angeles County is monitored and has extremely strict guidelines throughout the court system, Los Angeles Superior Court has made public a list of sworn persons who are employed as Humane Officers within the county. For the listing, please go to http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/expert/pdf/humaneofficers.pdf.

 

Some of the most common anti-cruelty laws that Humane Officers come across everyday are simple, correctable violations, such as :

• Keeping a dog tethered without food, water, or shelter.
• Neglecting an animal when it is need of medical attention.
• External parasites such as fleas and ticks on an animal can cause hair loss, skin infections and could lead to anemia and can be fatal if left untreated.
• When an animal is ill or injured it must be seen by a licensed veterinarian because the animal cannot tend to its injuries like people.
• Keeping animals confined to an enclosed area. If the animal must be placed in a small kennel or crate, the owner or care taker must make sure that the animal receives adequate exercise.
• According to Vehicle Code 23117 it is against the law to drive a truck or vehicle to transport an animal unless it is properly restrained (this section does not apply to livestock).
• An animal left inside of a vehicle on a hot day, in particular in the hot summer months can lead to having the owner or caretaker of the animal being prosecuted for animal neglect or animal cruelty, depending on the condition of the animal.

There are some crimes that Humane Officers investigate on a regular basis that are violent in nature, such as dog fighting and cock fighting. Owning, possessing, or training a dog to fight is a felony. Being a spectator at a dog-fighting exhibition is a misdemeanor. Roosters are commonly used for fighting in several areas, and the spcaLA has assisted several agencies in executing search warrants involving cock fighting. People involved in cock fighting will be punished to the fullest extent of the law in this state.

To Report Cruelty spcaLA has an animal cruelty tip-line for reporting cases of cruelty, abuse and neglect against animals within southern California. The tip-line is (800) 540-SPCA (7722) or email us at investigations@spcaLA.com .