Houston Animal Cops: An Interview with Charles Jantzen Part II
Cruelty and Neglect Team at the Houston SPCA
The Houston SPCA has the immense task of covering over 8,000 square miles in the greater Houston area, although the city center is an area that receives most of the service requests.
Risks Involved
The brave men and women who work for the cruelty and neglect department of the Houston SPCA put their lives at risk daily despite the fact they are not certified police officers and do not carry guns. No, instead they use their greatest weapon: their brain. Fortunately no one on the SPCA team has been shot, but guns and knives have been pulled on them. Other hazards include aggressive animals, dangerous properties, and the weather. And something most people do not think of is zoonotics - diseases that animals have that humans can contract.
Being a Member of the Cruelty and Neglect Team
Jantzen himself adopted a Great Dane from SPCA shelter so he knows first-hand what it is like to be a dog owner. And being a dog parent does not make the job easier. Jantzen admits that most Houston SPCA cruelty and neglect employees hit a three year slump; fortunately Jantzen was about to break through that transition of mentality and continue his job. Interestingly, there were only four members on the cruelty and neglect team. Today there are nine. Typically someone working on the cruelty and neglect team will be gung-ho during their first year thinking they can change the world; however, as time goes on, that enthusiasm wanes and can turn into frustration and eventually burn-out.
Increase in Reported Cases
There has been an increase in the reported cases but it is unclear as to whether or not that is a result of increased awareness or an increase in cruelty and neglect (possibly due to an increase in the Houston, TX population). Let's hope it is due to an increased awareness thanks to education, animal lovers, and responsible people.
What You Can Do To Help
Don't ignore animal abuse and neglect; report it to the Houston SPCA by either phoning (713) 869-SPCA or filing a complaint on-line which you can do by clicking here. *Note: You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish.
To learn more about the Houston SPCA (including how to adopt a pet), visit Houstonspca.org.
Published by Bobbi Leder
Bobbi Leder is the author of the picture book, THE SECRET POLICE DOG. Leder has been published with a variety of print and web-based magazines, websites, anthologies, and newspapers. View profile
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6 Comments
Post a Commentgreat reporting on the work of this team.
Very helpful :)
I love anyone who loves and protects animals:)
Bless you for all your efforts on behalf of the animals who can't speak for themselves.
People should take of their animals or not get on at all.
Nice job on this, thanks for the great write up!