Lancaster County now has its animal cruelty investigator back.
In January, budget cuts forced the Humane League of Lancaster County to lay off its longtime Humane Society police officer, Keith Mohler.
Now, the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania SPCA has stepped in to help, hiring Mohler to continue animal cruelty investigations in Lancaster County.
In a statement, Jerry Buckley, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA talked about the importance of Mohler’s work.
“With numerous commercial breeding operations located in the county, it is vital that Lancaster County has an active humane law enforcement presence,” said Buckley. “The Pennsylvania SPCA was active in Lancaster County for many years. Our experience and familiarity with the area will benefit not only the animals, but also the citizens of the county concerned with the wellbeing of companion animals.”
“We were ecstatic about it,” said Mary Wallick, spokeswoman for the Humane League of Lancaster County. “Officer Mohler has a great reputation. And we were just so happy that he’d be back in Lancaster County and it’s such a bonus for the animals of Lancaster County.”
Mohler’s salary will be paid through donations to the Pennsylvania SPCA.
The Humane League of Lancaster County will shelter any animals rescued by Mohler and provide some financial support.