Identifying and Understanding Animal Cruelty and Neglect

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This course will guide attendees through understanding the difference between the two primary types of animal cruelty – malicious cruelty and neglect. Using definitions, examples of current laws, and lived experience, the instructor will help the attendees understand the spectrum of emotional reaction as well the where the law lies. Attendees will also learn about the types of information that might be needed if they suspect cruelty has taken place and how to gather it for their ACOs.

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the range of emotional responses in cruelty cases and how they align with legal boundaries
2. Understand what information is essential for Animal Control Officers and how to obtain it effectively

Presenter
Jace Huggins, Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, San Diego Humane Society

Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.0 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit effective 10/14/25 - 10/14/27 in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. Complete the quiz to earn continuing education credit.

keywords animal cruelty, animal neglect, Jace Huggins

Jace Huggins

Chief of Humane Law Enforcement

San Diego Humane Society

Jace Huggins oversees one of the largest Humane Law Teams in California, along with investigations and case management, emergency response, officer training, dispatch and collaborations with local courts and law enforcement. Driven by compassion and a commitment to keep animals and people safe, Humane Officers assist when residents of 14 cities throughout San Diego County need help with pets or wildlife, enforce cruelty and neglect laws and respond to disaster situations.

Jace has 22 years of experience in animal welfare and veterinary hospital management, including a decade working in humane law enforcement. Prior to joining us, he served as Chief Animal Control Officer for the City of Sacramento, Front Street Animal Shelter. Jace has overseen programs both in shelters and in field services side, having helmed Sacramento’s Homeless Outreach and Assistance Program; a free monthly vaccine and microchip clinic; and the “Promoting Animal Welfare and Safety” program. He is also a nationally elected Board member of the National Animal Care and Control Association.

An instructor for Code 3 Associates and HSUS, Jace has presented at conferences such as NACA, AAWA, HSUS, CalAnimals, and Best Friends. He sits on both the AAWA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the NACA Culture and Collaboration Committee.