Like any officer of the law, Janine Choplick goes into work each morning not knowing what surprises the day holds.
Choplick is one of five registered humane officers at Hillside SPCA in Pottsville.
"We get anything from puppies, cruelty calls to vet visits all in a day," she said Wednesday. "You just never know what is going to happen."
Humane society police officers are registered under the state Department of Agriculture and are appointed by the county court of common pleas to prevent cruelty to animals.
"I can go out in the county and make a difference in all those animals' lives," Choplick said.
To become a humane officer, a person must be a resident of the state for at least 12 months; provide a criminal history report from the Pennsylvania State Police; and not have been convicted of any felonies or serious misdemeanors or any violations, including a summary offense, relating to cruelty of animals, or any similar offenses in another jurisdiction, state or country.
Each officer needs at least 60 hours of training and is required to complete continuing education courses every two years. Choplick said courses are offered in Harrisburg and at Penn State University.
Animal organizations are not required to have a humane officer on staff, Choplick said, but most have at least one. Each county has to have at least one, she said.
Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, Pine Grove, and Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue, Tamaqua, each have two registered humane officers. Current registrations will expire in May, according to the Department of Agriculture.
According to commonwealth law, animal cruelty occurs when someone ill treats, overloads, beats or otherwise abuses any animal, neglects any animal he or she has a duty to care for or otherwise abandons or deprives any animal of necessary food, drink, shelter or veterinary care.
"Animal abuse and negligence are very serious offenses," Choplick said.
Criminal charges are a misdemeanor of the third degree and can carry a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both. Penalties can also include civil charges with payment of up to $1,000.
The jurisdiction of a humane officer is limited to the county of appointment. They have the authority to file a notice with the county district attorney and each officer is issued a badge like that of a police officer and a photo ID. Humane officers also have to be sworn in by a county judge.
"Police are often burdened with other calls," Choplick said. "When they are out there taking care of other things, we can tend to animal calls."
Choplick said Hillside has at least five calls on the message machine every morning.
"We as humane officers only do humane calls while dog catchers go after dogs at large in the county," Choplick said. "We work together, but we have different jobs to do."
Dog wardens are employed by local government and are responsible for picking up strays, answering nuisance complaints and enforcing dog laws licenses.
Humane officers from the different organizations are always in contact with each other, Choplick said. They also have a good relationship with local and state police, she said.
"We have contacts in each local police force," Choplick said. "The state police are also great help. We always work together."
Not only do humane officers help animals in need, but they also look to educate people so that they can take better care of their animals and recognize abuse. If someone refuses to surrender their pet, they show them how to take care of them, she said.
"Education is a big part of what we do. We have to explain the law," Choplick said. "Many times people just don't know the law while some people just don't care."
Choplick said the hardest situations for humane officers are cases involving animal hoarding. The Hillside SPCA has been called to homes throughout Schuylkill County within the last few months where each case involved as many as 20 animals.
"I'm not sure if it's becoming more common or if more people are becoming aware of what's going on and reporting it," Choplick said.
In most hoarding cases, Choplick said residents may have good intentions, but they take on way more than they can handle. Choplick said those people are referred to as "overwhelmed caregivers."
"Some people think they are saving the dogs but some of the conditions are absolutely appalling," she said. "It's an overload for everyone involved and it's traumatic for the animals."
The work of a humane officer isn't for everyone.
"It's emotional, it's not an easy thing to jump into," Choplick said.
Not everyone can handle the various situations, especially when it involves walking away, but a humane officer has to follow the law, Choplick said.
"It's not an easy job," she said. "It's hard to walk away from something but sometimes you have to."
Maureen Graf, 26, works at the Hillside SPCA and hopes to become a humane officer.
"I just think they could use some more help," Graf said Wednesday.
But the job has its own rewards, Choplick admitted while petting a basset hound recently taken into custody at the shelter.
"It is rewarding to us to see the changes that are made and see that the dog has a better life," Choplick said.
For more information on approved training opportunities, visit www.humaneinpa.org.