Clearfield County SPCA
Humane Officer
Humane society police officers are trained and court-appointed to enforce the cruelty-to-animals section of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Humane societies have the authority to employ animal cruelty officers. The officers' duties include:
-Investigate cases of animal cruelty, neglect and dog fighting.
-Rescue animals that are abandoned or mistreated.
-Appear in court to prosecute animal abusers.
Dog Warden
VS
Humane Officer
The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement does not oversee or have jurisdiction over animal cruelty. A dog warden receives humane officer training, so if the warden suspects cruelty, he or she will refer the case to a humane society police officer or a police officer for official investigation.
The Department of Agriculture is also required to keep a list of humane society police officers. The registry, checked for this story, was out of date. Humane societies provide the list of officers to the department, which does not independently verify the information.
Libre's Law & What it means:
Tethering:
The legislation also places reasonable limitations on the continuous tethering of dogs outside including the following:
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Bans tethering a dog outside without providing for its basic needs as defined under Section 5532.
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Creates a presumption that the dog has been neglected as defined in section 5532 if the following are present
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The dog is tethered for more than 9 hours within a 24 hour period.
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The tether is not secured to a well-fitting collar with a swivel and by a tether of less than 10 feet or three times the length of the dog whichever is longer.
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The dog does not have access to water and an area of shade.
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The dog is tethered for longer than 30 minutes when the temperature is over 90 degrees or under 32 degrees.
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Excessive waste in the tethered area.
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Open sores or wounds on the dog’s body.
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The use of a tow or log chain or choke, pinch, prong, or chain collar.
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