Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is hiring Humane Officers to investigate animal cruelty cases and prosecute those who neglect or abuse animals anywhere in the state of California, as well as provide disaster relief for animals, nationwide.
Now Hiring: Humane Officers, Animal Cruelty Investigations
Open Positions
Humane Officer, Level I (Full-time)
Los Angeles
Humane Officer, Level II (Full-time)
Los Angeles
Candidates must pass the National Testing Network Frontline law enforcement examination before applying. There are three components to the examination: a video-based human relations test, a report writing test and multiple-choice reading test. Testing takes approximately 2 ½ hours.
- You must schedule yourself to take the law enforcement test administered by the National Testing Network (NTN) by visiting the NTN website. You will need to establish an account with NTN and pay a fee.
- Go to nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Law Enforcement, and sign up for spcaLA. Upon completion of the entry-level exams administered by NTN, all candidate scores are automatically made available to spcaLA.
- Selected candidates will be requested to submit an spcaLA application when invited to the next phase of the selection process.
FAQ
What is the application process for spcaLA Humane Officers?
PREREQUISITE:
Level I: Successful completion of a full Basic Policy Academy (P.O.S.T. Certified).
Level II: A minimum of two years as an Animal Control Officer, Humane Officer or equivalent animal welfare field experience. Completion of a PC 832 course preferred.
HIRING PROCESS:
STEP 1: Written Test – Applicants must pass the National Testing Network Frontline law enforcement examination before applying There are three components to the examination: a video-based human relations test, a report writing test and multiple-choice reading test. Testing takes approximately 2 ½ hours.
- You must schedule yourself to take the law enforcement test administered by the National Testing Network (NTN) by visiting the NTN website.
- Go to nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Law Enforcement, and sign up for spcaLA. All candidate scores are automatically made available to the spcaLA.
- Selected candidates will be requested to submit a spcaLA application when invited to the next phase of the selection process.
STEP 2: Oral Interview – Selected candidates who pass the written examination will be invited to participate in an oral interview.
STEP 3: Physical Agility Test
STEP 4: Background Investigation – The selected candidates will complete a Personal History Statement and be assigned a background investigator to begin the thorough background process.
STEP 5: Psychological and Medical Evaluation – Every humane officer candidate shall be evaluated to determine if the candidate is free from any emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a humane officer and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position. Every humane officer candidate shall be evaluated by a licensed physician to determine if the candidate is free from any physical (i.e., medical) condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise humane officer powers
What are the general duties of a Humane Officer?
Highly trained, sworn personnel, spcaLA Humane Officers may exercise the powers of a peace officer anywhere in the state of California, while investigating animal cruelty. Humane Officers are appointed by the State and undergo substantial training in animal care, state humane laws and continue education throughout their careers. spcaLA Humane Officers and support staff are dedicated to investigating cruelty cases and prosecuting individuals or organizations who neglect or abuse animals anywhere within the state of California; to providing medical attention and care to homeless and/or abused animals; and to rescuing animals in distress or precarious situations.
In addition, spcaLA Humane Officers provide disaster relief to animals and their owners through the Disaster Animal Response Team (DART); work to break the cycle of violence by participating in various Violence Prevention Humane Education programs; work with local and federal law enforcement as well as other public and private agencies to reduce illegal smuggling of under-aged animals, illegal bloodsports, and much more.
What is the difference between Level I and Level II Humane Officers?
Level I and Level II Humane Officers have the same powers and authority under the law (Corporations Code § 14502). The only difference is that Level I Humane Officers are required to have attended a police academy (basic POST certificate) and carry a firearm while on-duty.
spcaLA Humane Officers in Action
Underage puppies
A Downey man dubbed “The Sick Puppy Peddler,” sold sick and underage puppies to families throughout Southern California. Most puppies died soon after the victims brough them to their homes. A tip to the spcaLA Cruelty Tipline led to a joint investigation by spcaLA, Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business (DCBA), the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and the Downey Police Department, culminating in 52 criminal counts. The perpetrator spent nearly two years in jail, and was sentenced to pay $203,000 in restitution, one year of probation, counseling for animal cruelty, and is prohibited from owning or being around any animals for 10 years.
Cockfighting
spcaLA Humane Officers assisted Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with the service of the warrant on a property in an unincorporated area of Juniper Hills in the Antelope Valley. More than 200 “fighting roosters,” along with an estimated 500-600 pounds of illegal marijuana and a .22 caliber rifle were found. spcaLA has a Mutual Operations Understanding (MOU) with LA County and are often called upon to assist in animal-related cases.
Bow
A concerned citizen found Bow, an 11-month-old kitten, in a Lawndale apartment complex’s trash can. In addition to having two broken legs, our medical examination revealed evidence of past abuse, including hip dislocation, bruised lungs, broken teeth, and abrasions to her ears. spcaLA investigators linked Bow to a suspect, who was arrested and charged with two felony counts Penal Code 597(a) animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of Penal Code 597.1, permitting injured animals to go without veterinary care. Despite her horrific abuse, Bow remained a sweet and affectionate cat. She was adopted and is living her best life, cherished by her new family.
Disaster Response
spcaLA’s Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)™ works with local, state, and national agencies to help families and their animals with medical, food, housing assistance. spcaLA has deployed to fires, floods, and other disasters, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, the Northridge Earthquake, Hurricanes Harvey and Katrina, and the Indian Ocean Tsunami, among others.