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Animal Cop Chat Transcript
Diane DiGiacomo, Special Investigator—September 14, 2007
Thank you for participating in the live chat with ASPCA Special Investigator Diane DiGiacomo, who is featured on the popular TV series Animal Precinct. She really shed light on what life is like on the force, protecting animals who can’t protect themselves. Read on to find out what this sassy officer really thinks when she’s making an arrest.
What happens if you're working a case and the person under suspicion tries to become violent with investigators?
—Carrie A.
It has happened before. Luckily, we have the authority to arrest the individual for assault or any other crime committed in our presence...Fun...Fun...Fun.
Do you think that people who are arrested for animal cruelty change their attitudes after they find out what they're doing is wrong?
—Catherine L.
I believe many do change their attitude. But some do not. We have arrested some individuals more than once on animal abuse charges. It is usually ordered by the court that convicted animal abusers not own an animal for at least a year after conviction.
How hard is it to keep your cool? On the show, you never look like you are going to lose it. How did you get started in this field? Was it something you always wanted to do?
—Carrie L.
It only appears that I have personal control on the outside—on the inside I'm mad as hell. I focus on gathering the needed information to arrest the person, then make the arrest with a large smile (that’s when I don’t have personal control).
I got started when I discovered this job existed. I enjoy law enforcement and I love animals. This is the job for me.
Thank you so much for doing what you do! My question is, from what you've seen in the last ten years, do you think people are learning to treat animals better or is it still looking pretty bleak out there?
—Michele F.
That question is difficult for me to answer. I have seen much in the past ten years and unfortunately, the amount of arrests has grown. I hope to see the number of animal complaints decrease in the future.
How many animals have you adopted of the ones you’ve rescued? I bet that is hard. At least with working with wildlife, I know that they have to be released. Not that I don't have my share of domestic rescued ones!
—Carrie L.
Carrie, believe it or not, I have only one dog at the moment. I am happy to say I do not worry about the animals I bring into the ASPCA, because we are a no-kill organization. I consider all of the animals I rescue to be mine.
When you take the animal from the owner and you see the look in the animal’s eyes, the look that says “so glad that you are here,” doesn’t that just make you feel like you made a difference in that animal’s life?
—Yolanda K.
In all of the years I have worked with the ASPCA, there is no better feeling. Animals do not forget you, even after several years. I have met different animals years after they were saved...they just freeze and then wag their tails with happiness. Their owners are shocked that their dog remembers. Thank you for asking.
I always wonder how the people you arrest react to you. My guess is most of them have no idea they can get arrested for animal cruelty, and are caught off guard when along you come with the cuffs. Am I right?
—Elyse O.
Many people still do not understand that abuse and neglecting an animal is a crime...until the cuffs are on. Then they finally get the picture.
I am curious to know how you feel about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). You end up working with so many different breeds of dogs, and there are so many preconceived notions surrounding these "dangerous" breeds, and I'm wondering what your experiences have been with some of these breeds (i.e. pit bulls, rotties, shepherds, etc.) that are under threat of BSL.
—Sarah P.
Sarah, I do not believe in discrimination for humans or animals. Pit bulls happen to be one of my favorite breeds of dog. I enjoy all breeds and feel they all have the right to live. It is the bad owners who give these dogs a bad rap.
First off, thank you. I've learned so much from you officers and am very impressed by how civil you force yourselves to be. What freaks me out is that I imagine all these creeps being very angry at your agency and how “unfairly” they've been treated. Then I think about what they may do to other animals in the future to "get back" at you. Do you think this happens—an actual elevation of cruelty, only they hide it better? Is there any way that some sort of educational program or counseling could be part of their sentences? Thanks...and don't retire soon, please...we'd miss you.
—Bodie C.
Bodie, education is not a penalty; ignorance is bliss, they say. I personally would not want to see a convicted animal abuser working with animals as a rehabilitation experiment. If people can't care for an animal, they do not need to own one—and they shouldn't. P.S. I am not retiring any time soon. I love what I do. Thank you.
Hi! My name is Lauren, and I am 13 years old. I have two pets—Millie (a chocolate Lab) and Andy (a cat). I am an animal lover! My question is: How did you become an animal control officer? That is what I want to be when I get older. Thanks!
—Lauren O.
I love animals as well. When you get older, you should try and be or do anything you like doing. Animal control officers mainly rescue stray animals. Animal cops rescue abused animals and bring their owners to jail. Good luck in the future. Keep on helping our four-legged friends.
At the end of the show it states that all are innocent until proven guilty. What percentage are actually guilty? Do you feel that because of these shows, people are taking more interest in animal cruelty and that the government will be giving harsher punishment to criminals?
—Nicole C.
Nicole, thanks for the question. The show does state “innocent until proven guilty.” I have to say that most are convicted. Unfortunately, the sentencing isn't harsh enough. That is up to the judge.
The police in my city view busting a dog fight in progress mainly as an opportunity to get people on meatier charges—and charges that are easier to prove. Our city doesn't have the money (or motivation—it's way low on the list of crime issues) to check for licensing on all dogs over three months old, which would at least discourage some of the street fighters. I've seen police cars cruise by guys walking their dogs with huge bricks chained around their necks. On the other hand, what can they do about something like that?
—Bodie C.
Most of the time, when an officer pulls up on a dog fight, it is difficult to prove who owns the dogs, that is true, but just being present at a dog fight is a crime. When I pull up to someone with a brick or weights on a dog’s neck, I ask them to take it off. If they refuse, I summons them for any violation possible—that is when they remove it.
I have a great passion for animals. And I feel like I want to do what you do (although I can’t find any opportunities for it in my area). At the same time, I wonder if I can handle the things I would see day-in and day-out. So my question is: How did you know that this was what you wanted to do? How did you know this was your calling?
—Shawna C.
I did not know for sure when I began, but as you can see, I got sucked right in. My gut told me I would love it. I come from a family of police officers and was in the police department for a short time. I love animals as well. If you love animals and are considering a position as an officer, you should just go for it. You need to test the water in order to know for sure. Take the chance—it’s worth it.
I want to say thank you to all animal cops from the bottom of my heart! May God give you strength to deal with your job. I can only imagine the horrible things that you guys see every day. You make the world a much better place. You save lives every day and you give hope to the ones in need. Thank you for doing what you do!
—Tatyana S.
Thank you. We need animal lovers and people who are willing to say what they see. Remember, if you see something, say something. That is what makes the world a better place.
A lot of people say that since it is proven that humans who are criminals, murders and such cannot be rehabilitated, animals who are trained to fight cannot be rehabilitated either. What do you say about the difference between rehabilitating animals like pit bulls versus rehabilitating humans like serial killers?
—Susan S.
Animals can be rehabilitated. Animals don’t usually have a choice in what they are doing. People make the choice. Animals are innocent. With the correct behaviorists working with these animals, many never display aggression again.
First, I just want to say how grateful I am for the great work you do and all the other officers who have huge hearts for animals. The show has really opened my eyes to how cruel people can be. How hard is to get the convictions/fines for the abusers that you have come across? How long does the process take? I am amazed that it’s such a short jail sentence for what these people do to their animals.
—Lisa R.
Lisa, I agree the sentencing in many of these cases is quite lenient. Sentencing depends on several issues, such as prior criminal history. I do not like to see these abusers walk away with a slap on the wrist, but I do think it is getting better. We are still a long way off. Thank you for the support. We all appreciate it.
What sticks out in your mind as the most horrible thing you've had to deal with on a case? And, on a happier note, what's your favorite success story? Thanks!
—Thea N.
There are so many bad cases to choose from. The worst is when death is standing behind the animal. It is so sad, and he looks at you with such hope. The best is when you see an animal recovering, and he looks at you with such thankfulness—it makes it all worth it.
I originally come from an area where hunting is a huge "sport.” Not only are animals killed, but I've noticed that hunting dogs are often abused. It's completely taboo to “mess with” anyone else's business, especially what they do on their own land. How can I report abuse? Also, at country flea markets, animals are often stuffed into cages. Puppies, chickens, kittens, etc. are literally on top of each other. You're doing our society a great service, and we, as well as our furry friends, thank you so much.
—Rhonda W.
You can contact the local police and have all of the needed information ready for them. Investigate, just enough to gain information that you can hand over to the police. Animal abuse is not limited to dogs and cats. They must investigate crimes. Animal cruelty is a CRIME.
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