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Humane Society of Greater Rochester

About Humane Law


Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement

Our Humane Law Enforcement Team maintains an SPCA designation and is charged with investigating and enforcing the animal cruelty laws of New York State. Each county can only have one organization with an SPCA designation. Lollypop Farm holds this designation in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, and Orleans counties.

The Humane Law Enforcement Team consists of five humane investigators and a dispatcher, who work to ensure the safety of pets throughout the greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm SPCA Humane Investigators are highly experienced and trained, sworn personnel. Acting under the authority of NY State law, they may exercise the powers of a peace officer while investigating animal cruelty.

Our officers have authority similar to the police. They must work within the guidelines dictated under NYS Criminal Procedure Law and the state and federal constitution.

 

Frequently Asked

Questions

Is Humane Law Enforcement a municipality?

Lollypop Farm SPCA Humane Law Enforcement is not a government organization and is not associated with any federal, state, or local government. The Lollypop Farm SPCA is an independent, non profit animal welfare organization that does not receive funding from any federal, state, or local government agency outside of grant opportunities. Financial support for the organization’s humane programs are provided solely by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants.

Municipal shelters provide separate services and work with funding from the local government. Animal control officers are a part of these local municipalities who aid in cases of roaming animals and wildlife. Animal control officers DO NOT have the authority to make arrests.

Working within the Confines of the Law

Our Humane Law Enforcement officers must work within the confines of the law. Evidence and statements must be collected and presented in court. At times, court cases may take months to finalize. Animal cruelty laws often carry fines and/or jail time, but evidence can be difficult to collect without the help of community members advocating for animals in their neighborhoods. This is why our Humane Law Enforcement team works so diligently to strengthen laws and sentencing for animal cruelty violations.

What Geographic Region does Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Department Cover?

The department serves Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, and Livingston counties, while also assisting authorities in Wayne County.

What Other Types of Offices Service Animals?

Animal Control
Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement may sometimes be mistakenly confused with animal control personnel. Animal control personnel are local authorities that are charged with enforcing laws related to the control and impoundment of animals and nuisance wildlife. They are a great resource to call if you spot a stray animal, having difficulties with a neighbor’s pet, or have challenges with wildlife surrounding your property.

Go to your township’s website to find the contact information for Animal Control for your area.

Department of Conservation (DEC)

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency. DEC is headed by a commissioner, who is assisted by executive managers. The department has 24 divisions and offices and is further organized into bureaus to fulfill the functions and regulations established by Title 6 of New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR). Some programs are also

DEC’s Central Office is in Albany. Each of DEC’s nine regions has an office that serves the communities within that region. A total of approximately 3,000 DEC staff work in either the Central Office or a regional office.

Stories from the Field

Our Humane Law Enforcement officers are on the streets of Monroe, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans counties every day helping pets and people alike. They investigate animal crimes, make arrests, provide supplies to pet owners who need them, and so much more. Here are just some of the recent work our investigators have done in our community.

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