Humane Society’s duty goes beyond pet adoptions
By: DONAVON CAMPBELL
Inside the foyer of a large office building in Hilliard cats doze quietly in “kitty condos,” a dog barks somewhere down the hall and guinea pigs rustle in the wood shavings that line their tanks.
For many people, this is the atmosphere that comes to mind when they think about the Capital Area Humane Society.
Although it is a good place to find the right fur-covered companion, there’s more to the Humane Society than adoption offices and an orange cat named “Mo” lazing on a swivel chair.
The Humane Society also is responsible for investigating cases of animal cruelty in Franklin County.
It’s the only non-profit organization with law enforcement authority in Central Ohio.
“A lot of people are confused about our level of responsibility,” Humane Society Director of Operations Rachel Finney said.
Whenever someone is suspected of violating state statute 959.131 under the Ohio Revised Code — the section dealing with a wide variety of animal-related crimes involving companion animals and some farm animals — the Humane Society investigates and seeks prosecution.
The offenses, all of which are misdemeanors, range in penalties from a $750 fine or 90 days in jail up to a $1,000 fine and 60 days behind bars.
Finney said a vast majority of calls they receive center around issues of neglect, or someone simply not knowing how to take care of an animal.
“Education is a huge part of what we do,” Finney said, adding the organization often offers help through the donation of dog houses, food and veterinary appointments.
“But if the treatment is so gross or neglectful, we will prosecute. Our conviction rates are pretty high.”
The Humane Society received 7,093 reports of animal mistreatment during 2008 and found enough evidence in 2,988 of those cases to investigate for cruelty or neglect. That’s up from 5,887 calls in 2005.
Nearly 96 percent of all cases investigators file in the Environmental Court of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas result in conviction, according to the society’s annual report.
The Human Society has five full-time investigators who rely on a wide variety of sources to help them do their job.
On top of civilian calls, Finney said, another of the organization’s main resources is a reciprocal relationship with local fire and police departments.
The Humane Society often receives reports from police officers and firefighters who see signs of animal abuse.
“And it works both ways,” Finney said.
“As we’re out on a case, we also work to report to other agencies.”
Humane Society Chief Investigator Kerry Manion has been with the Humane Society for 25 years. He said it is no coincidence many of the people they catch abusing animals are also involved in other nefarious activities.
“There is a strong correlation between animal abuse and (other crimes),” Manion said.
“Animal abuse is a predictor of violent behavior.”
Manion said the Humane Society relies on a lot of reliable sources when it comes to reports of animal mistreatment, including some that many people might not consider.
“Some of the best, most accurate referrals come from utility workers,” Manion said.
With so many people on the lookout for animal abuse, the average day for a Humane Society investigator often entails looking into as many as 12 reports.
In the end, Manion said, it is mostly a matter of diligence.
“We really have to be out there in the community working with pet owners to try and improve the quality of the lives of their pets,” Manion said.
To report a case of suspected animal cruelty call 614-777-7387 ext. 250 or to find out more about the Capital Area Humane Society visit cahs-pets.org.
(this articles appeared in a variety of the Jan. 19, 2009 issues of Suburban Newspapers)
