|
Senate Approves Legislation for Appointment of
Humane Society Police Officers
HARRISBURG -- Legislation
that would provide greater accountability and training requirements for
Pennsylvania’s Humane Society police officers was approved today by the state
Senate, according to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Noah Wenger (R-36).
Senate Bill 871 requires that all Humane Society
police officers be appointed to perform their duties in the county they will be
working in. Appointment of officers would be based on an individual
meeting the requirements for the position, including a year of Pennsylvania
residency and completion of mandatory training and continuing education
requirements included in the bill.
The Humane Society may petition the court of common
pleas for an individual’s appointment as an officer. Any grievances
against an officer would also be filed in the county court of common pleas,
which would have the power to suspend, revoke, limit or restrict an appointment
in the county.
“While the vast majority of Humane Society police
officers meet or exceed the expectations of the Humane Society and the public,
it is still necessary for all officers to be held accountable if they don’t
conduct themselves professionally,” Sen. Wenger said. “Senate Bill 871
would establish a process by which grievances may be filed, and it will also
ensure that all officers are knowledgeable and qualified in the county they work
in.”
Senate Bill 871 also establishes a statewide
registry of Humane Society police officers. The list would be maintained
by the Department of Agriculture and would be available to the public on the
Department’s website.
“Right now, there is no reliable way to determine
who is a Humane Society Police Officer in each county,” Sen. Wenger said.
“My bill will provide the public with greater protection, allowing individuals
to find out if someone who claims to be a Humane Society officer has been
appointed to that position in the county.”
The bill also clarifies the jurisdiction of Humane
Society officers. Officers would have the authority to enforce the cruelty
to animals provisions of the Crimes Code or otherwise perform the functions of a
Humane Society police officer within any county in which he or she has been
appointed. Those who are convicted of impersonating a Humane Society
police officer would face tougher penalties under the provisions of Senate Bill
871.
Sen. Wenger added that the bill is supported by the
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania. It
now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
# # #
|
