Please join us in congratulating our Humane Officers for a job well done! We are pleased to inform our supporters that this week was another win for the animals in Ventura county.  

On June 27^th, A Ventura man pled guilty to Failure to Properly Care for Animals-a misdemeanor charge. He must spay and neuter all personal animals, consent to search by probation or peace officer, and complete 36 months of probation. Humane Officers worked side by side with Animal Control Officers, Code Enforcement Officers, and Ventura Police Department to bring justice to these innocent animals.

Humane Officers of Ventura County are headquartered at the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai where cases of animal neglect and abuse throughout the county are investigated. To become a Humane Officer hundreds of hours of training is required as well as an extensive background check performed by an outside investigations agency. Trainees must attend a Humane Officer Training Academy for 80 hours followed by an additional 40 hours of advanced officer training. Officers must complete the 832 P.C. arrest, search, and seizure training course. Continued education is required in livestock, circus, and animal fighting courses- all while receiving on the job training before and after being badged.

Robert (Jeff) Hoffman, Director of Investigations, has been working at the shelter for 33 years and has helped bring justice to thousands of abused animals. Senior Humane Officer, T. Vail, has dedicated 11 years to the Humane Society with a strong focus in educating the public about the humane treatment of animals. Newest to the force is Preliminary Investigator K. Winwood, who has been at the HSVC for 2 years and will be officially sworn in at the end of July. Our Officers work closely with other agencies to insure that the animals in Ventura County are properly cared for.

We would like to thank all the Deputy District Attorney’s for their hard work in prosecuting animal abuse cases from the past to present. The Ventura County District Attorney’s office is key to stopping animal abuse and neglect. It is with the support of our community and the dedication of our Director of Investigations and Humane Officers that we are able to continue to educate Ventura County on the plight of animal rescue for over the last 84 years.

Jolene Hoffman

Shelter Director

Humane Society of Ventura County