Chief Steve MacKinnon
SAN DIEGO–Stephen MacKinnon, Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for San Diego Humane Society, has joined the newly formed National Law Enforcement Council of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
The council brings together outstanding current and former law enforcement officers and prosecutors from across the country to assist the organization in its efforts to strengthen and better enforce laws to protect animals from animal cruelty. MacKinnon is the only council member who currently leads a humane law enforcement division at an animal welfare organization.
Members of the national council were chosen for their leadership in protecting animals from neglect, violence and other crimes. With a particular emphasis on animal cruelty, fighting and poaching laws, the council brings together the best in the law enforcement field to help combat animal crimes nationwide. Member activities may include supporting state and federal legislation that strengthens animal protection laws, promoting animal protection training opportunities for local law enforcement, and raising awareness of The HSUS’ animal crimes rewards, tip lines, and other resources.
“I’m incredibly honored to serve on The HSUS’ National Law Enforcement Council and join this group of professionals as we work together to enact laws to protect animals,” said Chief Stephen MacKinnon. “We receive more than 10,000 animal services calls and more than 2,500 turn out to be cruelty/neglect cases, just in San Diego. Animal abuse and neglect is all too prevalent nationwide, and we need to be the voice for these defenseless animals.”
“We are honored to join forces with Chief MacKinnon to combat animal cruelty, fighting and poaching through the National Law Enforcement Council. By fostering relationships across local, state, and federal levels of law enforcement and prosecution, we can make meaningful improvements to policies and actions that protect animals across the country,” said Ann Chynoweth, senior director of the animal cruelty and fighting campaign for The HSUS.
“We could not be more proud to be represented on the National Law Enforcement Council. Animals need and deserve more laws to protect them, which will take collaboration from the best law enforcement professionals in the country. We look forward to the impact we’ll be able to make together,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society.
The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, is dedicated to fighting all forms of illegal animal cruelty. It works collaboratively with local law enforcement by providing expert, financial, and field assistance to combat animal fighting, hoarders, puppy mills, and other abuse and neglect situations.
