Partnership with The Humane Society of the United States

We are proud to work with The Humane Society of the United States because of their expertise on illegal animal cruelty and fighting and frequent collaboration with law enforcement in pursuing those crimes.  The HSUS has provided free training to tens of thousands of law enforcement officials across the country on how to investigate illegal animal cruelty and its connection with crimes against people.
 
The organization is also a resource for law enforcement when they are confronted with a significant case of cruelty or fighting in their community.  The HSUS has provided investigative assistance and the care of thousands of animals seized from large scale animal hoarders, illegal puppy mills and animal fighting operations.
 
Additionally, the HSUS, through its Law Enforcement Training Center, provides animal cruelty and fighting trainings throughout the country, often free of charge. [LEARN MORE]
 
Interested in training?
For more information, contact Christine Mastroianni, cmastroianni@humanesociety.org or 301-461-2807.
 
Because of the sensitive nature of the material presented in this class, participation is restricted to law enforcement personnel.

In 2017:

  • The HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team rescued more than 11,000 animals from situations of extreme cruelty and disaster.  The team responded to more than 5,000 reports of illegal animal cruelty and fighting and paid 19 rewards for tips that resulted in successful prosecutions and animals rescued.  Since 2007, the HSUS has paid a total of 223 rewards in connection with its animal fighting, animal cruelty, and puppy mill tip lines.
  • The HSUS’ Law Enforcement Training Center hosted more than 80 seminars, training nearly 4,000 officers from more than 2,000 agencies.  In collaboration with the NSA/NCOVAA, the HSUS released two roll call videos on animal cruelty and fighting investigations, and they have been viewed thousands of times by investigators across the country.
  • The 2017 Humane Law Enforcement Awards, in partnership with the NSA, were presented to 11 recipients across the country including officers and agencies who have taken an extraordinary stand against animal cruelty.  Mimicking the wide scope of HSUS’ work with law enforcement, the 2017 Humane Law Enforcement Awards touch upon the entire spectrum of the criminal justice system, from Sheriffs to prosecutors to Attorney Generals’ offices.  
Moreover, there is a strong connection between animal cruelty and crimes against people.  In the majority of the animal fighting cases that the HSUS works with law enforcement on, illegal drugs and firearms are frequently uncovered.  In animal cruelty cases ,they often find domestic violence or child neglect issues.

Testimonials from Law Enforcement

I would like this opportunity to express my appreciation for the valuable assistance that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) provided my department during the recent turn of events involving the “SIN CITY KENNELS” in Sevier County.  The ending results were the arrest of 3 individuals and the seizure (rescue) of 53 dogs.  As you know the kennel was very infamous in the training of these animals for the purpose of dog fighting.” - Sheriff Ron Seals of Sevier County
 
“There is no way that we could have undertaken an investigation of this magnitude without the help of the HSUS. They brought in personnel and resources that we didn’t have access to, and their assistance was a tremendous help to us in this case.” – Andy Hughes, Houston County AL Sheriff
 
Sheriff Dave Lucas of Belmont County, Ohio presented plaques of commendation to the Humane Society of the United States for their involvement in a massive animal hoarding case. "I mean it's unbelievable the hours, the work and the volunteers and also the money and resources they've put into this," the sheriff noted.
 
“In the end, [HSUS’s] expertise and hard work paid off with what many believe to be the largest dogfighting bust in the history of the United States.” – Sacramento County Sheriff Scott R. Jones
 
I would like to share with my fellow law enforcement brothers and sisters the wonderful and enlightening  experience I had assisting The United Stated Humane Society during the  rescue of approximately 75 dogs and 30 cats.  I feel as law enforcement officers we look at crime that mostly involves people, but animal cruelty is a crime that is overlooked everyday simply because they are animals. This is a silent and deadly crime because an animal has no voice no tell you of what is being done to them and only by taking that look can you see the whole picture.   Animal cruelty is still a heinous crime that deserves our upmost attention as any other crime that involves people. The people of the United States Humane Society are some of the most dedicated individuals to their jobs I have ever met in my 28 year career. They put themselves in great peril to do a job that most would never even consider.  My fellow Officers I would ask each one of you to take that second look at an animal complaint and give it the attention it deserves and knowing that you’re doing the right thing. - Chief Robert Alcon, Mayflower Police Department, Arkansas