This week’s shooting of two dogs who were found abandoned in Clearfield County is shining a light on the lack of humane officers who focus on animal abuse investigations.
Dennyboy is one of two dogs suspected of being shot and found by a roadway in Irvona, Clearfield County, last weekend.
One dog died, and Dennyboy, who barely survived, is having a leg amputated.
The state police are continuing an investigation, as animal abuse cases continue to increase.
In Centre County, that’s what led to the sheriff’s office earlier this year to designate a deputy sheriff as the county’s new animal control, or humane officer.
“Right now he is training. He went to training last week. He will go to training next week. From there, we’ll write policy, have him do some training with the Blair County humane officer; just get our ducks in a row by the end of summer.”
The Centre County sheriff said another staffer will also be able to assist the humane officer, who will be available on a regional basis for animal abuse investigations.
The rescue group Animals Matter of Clearfield County got Dennyboy to the Metzger Animal Hospital in Centre County.
Animals Matter is also fund raising to cover the Australian Shepard’s medical bills, as its expected Dennyboy will be getting out of the hospital within a few days.
“At some point when he’s made a full recovery, hopefully he’ll be adopted out, go to a great home and be spoiled for the rest of his life.”
