Humane Investigations Department

What We Do

Humane Investigations

Lake Humane Society provides protection to the animals of Lake County through our Humane Investigations Department. The Lake Humane Society Agent, who is appointed by the Lake County Probate Court, works together with local law enforcement to fight animal cruelty and neglect across all of Lake County. In the state of Ohio, a Humane Agent is empowered to enforce state laws regarding animal cruelty. Please note that the Lake Humane Society Agent only has jurisdiction in Lake County, Ohio. Like all programs and services offered by our organization, our Humane Investigations Department runs solely on donations as we receive no outside funding for this department. This means that all expenses related to this department, from equipment to attorney fees to staff wages, are dependent on donations.

We've reached our $50,000 goal!

The Cruelty Prevention Project was launched to raise critical funds for Lake Humane Society’s Humane Investigations Department, including an efficient vehicle, additional equipment and training. We are excited to share that, because of our wonderful supporters, we just reached our $50,000 goal!

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the donors and community supporters that made this project possible. Thanks to our community, Agent Hatch will receive the equipment, vehicle, and additional skills necessary to protect vulnerable animals in Lake County for years to come. As the Humane Investigations Department is funded solely by donations, success of this project is a huge milestone in creating a kinder community for animals.

Due to the 40% increase in reports of suspected animal cruelty and neglect, LHS’s Board of Directors has decided to hire a part-time Humane Agent to support Agent Hatch. Hiring an additional Agent will decrease response time and allow us to help even more animals in need. Any additional gifts to the Cruelty Prevention Project will help fund the training and equipment of this vital position and the continued operations of the Humane Investigations Department.

Support the Cruelty Prevention Project Today!

Cassie Hatch

Humane Agent

We are proud to announce that our Humane Agent, Cassandra Hatch, was officially sworn in on December 9, 2019, after six months of on-the-job training. Staff, volunteers, and family members joined together at the Lake County Courthouse to celebrate Hatch being sworn in as the official Humane Agent for the Lake Humane Society.

The Lake Humane Society Agent, who is appointed by the Lake County Probate Court, works together with local law enforcement to fight animal cruelty and neglect across all of Lake County. In the state of Ohio, a Humane Agent is empowered to enforce state laws regarding animal cruelty. Like all programs and services offered by our organization, our Humane Investigations Department runs solely on donations as Lake Humane Society receives no outside funding for this department. This means that all expenses related to this department – from equipment to attorney fees to staff wages – are dependent on donations.

What You Can Do

If you believe you’ve witnessed suspected animal abuse, neglect or cruelty in Lake County, Ohio, please contact our Humane Investigations Department at (440) 951-6122, extension 105. If you are witnessing a violent animal crime or if LHS is closed and an animal is in severe distress and immediate intervention is needed, contact your local police department for immediate assistance. When leaving a message, please provide an accurate street address, description of the animal(s), a detailed description of the situation, and your name and phone number. The Humane Investigations Department receives hundreds of calls each year and responds to every call in order of urgency. If you leave a report and the situation worsens, please call back and update the information.

Contact Our Humane Investigations Department

Ohio Animal Cruelty Laws

View the Ohio laws regarding animal cruelty below Cruelty to Animals

ORC 959.13

Cruelty to Companion Aniamls

A “companion animal” means any animal that is kept inside a residential dwelling and any dog or cat regardless of where it is kept. “Companion animal” does not include livestock or any wild animal.

ORC 959.131