Humane Investigations
The Central California SPCA Humane Officers investigate cases of animal cruelty and neglect, educate the public on proper animal care, and work closely with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office to prepare and submit cases for prosecution. Last year, they responded to nearly 300 reports of animal cruelty and neglect throughout Fresno County, including all incorporated cities. Empowered by California Corporations Code 14502, these officers have the authority to enforce animal welfare laws and exercise the powers of a peace officer while handling animal-related crimes.
Most of the cases that our Humane Officers investigate are instances of unintentional neglect and can be resolved simply by educating animal owners on the proper way to provide necessary care. An intentional and malicious act of abuse or cruelty is when someone purposely and knowingly deprives an animal of proper care or adequate food, water, shelter, or allows the animal to go without necessary veterinary care, or tortures, maims, mutilates or kills an animal.
Below are some examples of the types of animal cruelty and neglect our Humane Officers investigate on a daily basis:
- Intentional acts of cruelty; torturing, maiming, mutilating or maliciously killing an animal
- Poisoning
- Animal fighting
- Depriving an animal of proper care, food, water, shelter or necessary veterinary care
- Intentional or unintentional acts of neglect
- Animal hoarding
- Unlawful inhumane or unsafe living conditions
- Inadequate exercise area
What Animal Cruelty Is Not:
Animal cruelty does not include barking dogs, loud cats, or loose animals. If you have a problem with a loud animal, call your local police agency. If you see a loose or vicious animal, or an injured animal on the side of the road, call your local animal control.
If you are aware of an incident of animal cruelty or neglect, please report it to the Central California SPCA at (559) 233-7722 (SPCA). Non-emergency reports may be submitted online using our Online Report Form.
Requirements and Duties of Humane Officers
Our Humane Officers undergo extensive and ongoing training. This training includes the Penal Code 832 course which is the required training on arrest procedures, techniques, and firearms. It also includes 80 hours of initial training at the Basic Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy which is comprised of courses in animal care, identification of disease, injury, and neglect in domestic animals and livestock, and humane laws relating to the powers and duties of a humane officer.
Every three years our Humane Officers return to the Advanced Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy for continuing education and training relating to the powers and duties of a humane officer. In addition to the required training and education, our Humane Officers attend numerous conferences and training seminars each year where they stay informed on any new or pending legislation and keep updated on how current laws are being interpreted and enforced.
How you can help the helpless victims
Your generous donations help save lives by making it possible for our Humane Officers to investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty and neglect. A donation of $500 can help two Humane Officers respond to reports of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect for one day.
Please also consider making a contribution to our Wellness Fund which provides medical assistance to those animals in need, especially those who have suffered abuse, cruelty, and neglect.
Our Core Values and Beliefs
Compassion
We balance responsibility with compassion in everything we do for the betterment of animals. We reach out to those animals in need without hesitation or judgment.
Commitment
We are passionately dedicated to our work and animals in our care. We believe our commitment to compassion, respect, and kindness sets us apart.
Honesty and Integrity
We accept responsibility for our actions. We demand of ourselves the highest level of integrity and professionalism in our dealings with each other, customers, and our community.
Respect
We respect animals, individuals, and organizations that we work with everyday. We strive to demonstrate respect in all our actions.
Proactive
We are committed to leading and fostering an environment in which every member of our community nurtures the spirit of treating animals humanely. Together we lead by example and with excellence.
Community Resource
We are committed to providing valuable knowledge and expertise in the field of animal welfare. We believe that teaching compassion and respect strengthens our community.
Our mission is to provide protection, placement, and education to ensure responsible animal care.
