Animal Cruelty

Escondido Humane Society 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. Animal Control Officers have the same authority but only in the jurisdiction they serve in.

Some of the most common anti-cruelty laws that Humane Society 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 in 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 a vehicle on a hot day, in particular in the hot summer months can lead to having the owner or care taker 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. People involved in cock fighting will be punished to the fullest extent of the law in this state.