Portland, Ore. – In an effort to expand investigations of animal cruelty and neglect, the Oregon Humane Society has welcomed a second Humane Special Agent to its Investigations Department. Special Agent Katie Cogswell was sworn in by the Oregon State Police on Nov. 22 during a commissioning ceremony in Salem.
“The addition of Special Agent Cogswell will allow us to investigate more cases,” says Leon Colas, OHS Vice President of Investigations. “We’ll also be able to collaborate with more outside agencies to assist them in saving animals.”
Cogswell has been a patrol officer with Portland Police for the past three years, serving the community in a variety of ways. Prior to joining Portland Police, Katie served with the Coast Guard in Astoria and was an officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs Police. In her work as a police officer, Katie often saw animal issues when she was responding to human calls. “There is absolutely a need for OHS Humane Special Agents in the community,” says Cogswell.
OHS Humane Special Agents are commissioned by Oregon State Police to enforce animal-protection laws all over the state of Oregon. These Agents work in the field; investigating reports of cruelty or neglect, interviewing witnesses, evaluating evidence and issuing citations. Often, OHS Humane Special Agents are working with pet owners to educate them on minimum care standards, and connect them with supplies and resources. Although OHS Humane Special Agents are commissioned by Oregon State Police, they operate solely on donations.
“We take every case of suspected animal abuse or neglect very seriously,” added Colas. “No animal in our community should ever suffer at the hands of humans.”
