Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 3/4/16

The Humane Society of the United States announced earlier this week it is training more than 700 law enforcement personnel in Oklahoma for free on how to investigate and handle animal cruelty cases.

Tara Loller, director of strategic campaigns and special projects for HSUS, told Meatingplace that HSUS has offered law enforcement training for years all across the country.

“Last year, we hosted 54 seminars and trained 2,262 officers representing over 650 agencies. We piloted the Humane State Program, which also includes training for animal rescues and wildlife rehabilitators, first in Puerto Rico in 2015, with tremendous success. We are working to bring this program to three more states in 2016—looking now at where resources are most needed,” Loller explained.

Asked if the training extended to farm animals, Loller said, “This training teaches officers how to investigate animal crimes from neglect, animal fighting, puppy mills, and other types of abuse. Often, officers are called by their constituents regarding the witness of a crime, so they might be called to a scene that includes the abuse of farm animals.”

The upcoming training in Oklahoma is in partnership with the National Sheriffs' Association, FBI, Humane Society of Tulsa, Oklahoma Association Chiefs of Police, Oklahoma Sheriff & Peace Officers Association and Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association.
The HSUS will provide information on how to handle animal cruelty cases from first response to prosecution. Through The HSUS’ Humane State Program, attendees will also receive an evidence kit valued at more than $500 at no cost to the officers or their agencies.

John Thompson, the deputy executive director of the National Sheriffs’ Association, said: “With little to no training available to them, law enforcement is at an extreme disadvantage in the fight against animal abuse. The HSUS is a leader in training law enforcement to identify and combat animal cruelty on all levels and we are excited to support The Humane State Program.”

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