Did you know that the Humane Society of the United States (H$U$) has its own university? Did you know that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has their own university as well? 

Do you know what they teach there (I am imagining all kinds of prospective answers right now)? For one, they teach Humane Police Officer courses. How about Humane Animal Euthanasia (is PETA teaching this one?)? Or maybe the Advocacy course, where they teach "hands-on training for the new activist." There is even a course to learn how to become an effective lobbyist.

HSU even offers a Master Degree "designed to give students a firm understanding of the scientific, ethical, and cultural bases for animal protection."

In fact, you may be surprised at the number of courses that are taught, including courses that are designed to influence our youth through the classroom. The Humane Society University's College of Arts and Sciences (HSU) was founded in 2008. While claiming to have held its first graduation on July 16, 2011, awarding one student a BS degree, they also claim to have had graduate certificates awarded in 2010.Get 'em while they are young! And you thought that "$19 a month" was really helping the animals!

But let's look at the Humane Police Officer course: According to educationportal.com, "Humane Society police officers - more commonly called humane officers - and animal cruelty investigators are responsible for investigating reports of animal neglect, abuse or cruelty, which may involve issuing citations and prosecuting offenders... According to the Humane Society University (HSU), a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), officers must also educate the public about responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering (www.humanesocietyuniversity.org). The HSU also stated that officers typically wear uniforms (giving the appearance of a real law enforcement officer) and may have firearm licensure in some states." My question here is this: Why do they claim to be "for the animals", yet carry weapons to use on people? But then, given the fact that the H$U$ believes that all pet breeders are "puppy mills"; my guess is that they would like to shoot all of them anyway.

This type of course is available at a number of schools and professional organizations. Courses are on a 2-3 level program, with each level being about a one week course. Average salary-$38,000 annually. Covered in this course are: animal cruelty laws, animal behavior, zoonotic (animal-human) diseases, first aid, officer survival, court room preparation, capture techniques, crisis intervention and shelter operations, according to educationportal.com. That seems to be quite a bit of information to absorb in such a short time.

HSU even offers a Master Degree "designed to give students a firm understanding of the scientific, ethical, and cultural bases for animal protection." The university claims "Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Animal Studies will be able to: apply critical thinking and communication skills to animal protection debates; formulate research questions and interpret, evaluate, and conduct qualitative and quantitative research on scientific, cultural, and philosophical animal issues; analyze and develop animal protection campaigns; and conceive, formulate, and execute a publishable independent study that advances our understanding of the animal protection landscape.  

Pennsylvania and New York are two states that allow the use of these "officers." Pennsylvania officers only have jurisdiction in the county that appointed them, must register with the county DA and carry a photo ID and metallic shield (badge). In New York, the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division may make arrests, use physical and deadly force, make car stops, issues summonses, carry and use firearms, pepper spray, batons, and handcuffs. They may seize any stray or abandoned animal on the street, seize any animal on private property with filed complaint, and may make regular visits to any residence or establishment where an animal is kept. In 2007, they created an animal cruelty crime scene investigation unit. They are equipped with the same weapons as the NYPD officers: either a Glock 19 9mm or a Smith and Wesson 5906 9mm. There are five titles, or ranks: Assistant Director of Law Enforcement, Executive Officer, Supervisory Special Investigator, Special Investigator, or Special Agent.They also teach the "understanding of complex interactions among social movements, political institutions, and policy change; and the application and critique theoretical frameworks in the context of the animal protection movement and public policy contests related to animals.

Given the restrained budgets of law enforcement agencies across the country, add in the tougher laws and the screaming of the animal rights groups for even tougher regulation and enforcement, just how long will it be before your state allows the use of these "officers?" We have already seen the multiple manipulation and interferences of the H$U$ in raids across the country, while they turn their backs on the animals after the seizures. How did they become involved and at whose requests? You have to ask yourself "Does my state allow for outside contracting with animal rights groups or humane organizations?" If so, what authorities are given to these officers?

What is the difference between an animal control officer and a Humane Society Police officer you ask?

Animal control officers deal mainly with matters regarding pets and animals with the exception of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse. Humane Society Police officers are usually employed by your local or regional humane society and deal exclusively with the investigation of "suspected or reported" (remember those anonymous tip lines) cruelty, neglect or abuse of domestic animals, including kennels, boarding facilities and breeders. You also have varying state agencies that are involved in these investigations as well, and depending on your states statutes, may well have contracted with them.

The manipulation of public opinion continues by the H$U$, and now they hand out a degree in it! Laws and regulations are getting tougher across the country. These officers with this type of one sided manipulative training will be seen more and more across the country. It will get much uglier in a big hurry. Do your research on your state's laws, and then do what you need to do to protect yourself, your animals (personal property) and your facility.

Researched and Written by Debi R***