In Centre County, a surprising number of calls for help in investigating possible animal abuse cases.
Gary Sinderson talked to the man whose taking those calls and heading up the investigations.
He’s Centre County’s new Humane Society Police Officer charged with better protecting animals, Deputy Sheriff Mark Rusnak
“I’ve been very surprised at the number of calls. it’s been a lot more than I anticipated, which in a way is bad and good. it’s good that I’m able to get out there and help. it’s bad that something like that exists, and the number exist”
Also surprised about the amount of calls, Rusnak’s boss, Centre County Sheriff Bryan Sampsel
“It’s been 121 calls, as of January 5th. since then there’s another dozen or so calls”
This time of year of course calls about animals out in the cold. But there’s other reports too about farm animals, or people suspected of hoarding pets
“I get a lot of calls for somebody who has 40 cats inside their house. alot of people may not morally agree with that, but a lot of times unless there’s some type of ordinance, which I don’t enforce, it’s not illegal”
A small percentage of suspected animal abuse incidents have led to charges filed, criminal cases. But all cases, require more than just an initial response
“There’s always follow ups. I don’t have the luxury, like most police departments of turning things over to detectives. I have to see every case entirely through. there’s a lot of follow ups with every call”
The Humane Officer, quickly increasing the work load in an already busy Sheriff’s Office will more staff and resources be added?
“We’re kinda wondering if this is a bubble, since it”s new, since we finally got a new humane office in Centre County. I can”t answer that question. we have to let it play out for a year.”
Rusnak completed extensive training, including at the Pennsylvania Academy For Animal Care And Control.