Bucks County SPCA welcomes two new humane officers

The Bucks County SPCA (BCSPCA) on Friday announced the addition of two new Humane Society police officers to its cruelty investigation department.

Katherine Hogan and Sean Reifsnyder were sworn in at the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown. Both have been staff members of the BCSPCA for more than two years, have completed the state-mandated certification classes in Harrisburg and State College, and have extensive on-the-job training with BCSPCA Chief Humane Society Police Officer Nikki Thompson.

“Having two new humane officers in the county will greatly enhance our collective goal to prevent cruelty to animals and prosecute those who abuse animals in Bucks County,” said Assistant District Attorney Robert James.

Hogan has a degree in Criminal Justice, and Sean brings years of experience in animal behavior and training. Private donors and a grant from Upper Bucks Sertoma Club made their advanced training and certification possible.

So far this year, the BCSPCA team has investigated 275 cruelty and neglect complaints for all types of animals throughout Bucks County. Thompson estimates that they will investigate more than 500 complaints by year’s end, an increase of 20% over 2017.

 “We were founded 106 years ago to prevent animal suffering specifically in Bucks County,” explained Linda Reider, BCSPCA executive director. “Our team spends every day either on the road or in the courtroom, righting wrongs and helping animals live better lives.”

Pennsylvania Law protects animals from neglect and cruelty. These laws may be enforced by local SPCAs, which bear all expenses of training, investigating, county proceedings, and animals’ treatment and care.

Reports of animal abuse or neglect within Bucks County can be submitted by calling (215) 794-7425.