"THE INTERVIEW" PROUDLY PRESENTS A VISIT WITH JOSEPH PENTANGELO OF THE ASPCA- NEW YORK CITY!

This Video can be viewed at http://www.aspca.org/

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Our Guest: Joseph Pentangelo pictured with Anne Marie Lucas of ASPCA

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MM: Joe, Welcome to "The Interview.” As a supporter of ASPCA and a viewer of the invaluable work you carry out on the cable TV show Animal Precinct, I felt it was essential to interview you because the vast majority of my readers are pet owners. Many people are not aware that you are trained in law enforcement. Can you tell us first about your background and how you became an Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)?

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JP: I was a detective in the New York City Police Department for many years, and one of my assignments in the NYPD for 12 of those years was as a mounted police officer, so my experience with animals is varied both in types of animals and how I interacted with them. I had always been interested in a career as a person who helps animals, so when I retired from the police department, I applied for the position and was lucky enough to get the job.

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MM: As I watch you and your colleagues at work on cable television, I am overwhelmed by the fact that in New York City where there are 10 million people, there are so few ASPCA investigators to cover such a large population. What can be done to improve this situation?

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JP: The first thing that comes to mind is people reporting animal cruelty. Animals cannot speak for themselves so it’s important to speak up when you see animal cruelty. Secondly, the ASPCA is not a government agency, nor do we receive government funding. It is important for municipalities to recognize the importance of fighting animal cruelty and to allocate assets to that goal.

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MM: One of the misunderstandings I’d like you to address to my audience is that adopting a cat or dog from the ASPCA will yield them an animal less suited somehow and with many behavioral problems from neglect or abuse. Isn’t this a basic misunderstanding?

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JP: Not all pets that end up in animal shelters are abused, nor do they all have behavior problems. That’s a misconception. In fact, 20 percent of all animals in shelters are purebreds, so if you’re looking for a specific breed, start with your local shelter or rescue group. Don’t go to a pet store, as many animals from pet stores come from puppy mills, which are sub-standard commercial breeding operations where animals suffer. When a pet is purchased, there are certainly no guarantees offered about the pet’s behavior. At the ASPCA in Manhattan, our animals go through a rigorous behavioral assessment before being made available for adoption. This is the case with many local shelters around the country, too, so check with your local SPCA or humane society to see what kind of behavior testing, if any, they offer. Some may also offer training or behavior classes after adoption. And of course, anyone adopting a dog should take the time to socialize and train him or her. After all, many dogs are abandoned because they were purchased as a puppy, and then the novelty wore off, or the adopter didn’t follow through with training and socialization necessary to make a good pet. I receive many letters and testimonials from people who adopt shelter pets extolling the virtues of their pets and being thrilled with their pet. A common claim is that their pets recognize the opportunity they’ve been given and reward their owner by being excellent pets. I have five rescued pets, and I’ve never regretted having any of them; they are all valuable members of my family.

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MM: Your work in investigating complaints of animal cruelty strikes me as often dangerous—both from the standpoint of perhaps an unstable animal owner who may be a perpetrator, or the victims of cruelty—the animals themselves. Do you ever fear for your life in any of these investigative visits to a person’s property where you have been summoned?

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JP: There is a natural degree of tactical caution that is employed when investigating animal cruelty complaints. ASPCA agents are trained in firearms and non-lethal force. They are New York state certified peace officers and do wear body armor. Dealing with crime certainly presents risks, but the ASPCA agents do their job of investigating animal cruelty and protecting animals with enthusiasm.

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MM: Shifting gears for a moment, what advice would you have for anyone who is adopting a cat or dog for the first time in terms of how to best be prepared for their new member of the family?

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JP: Pets are a lifetime commitment. Research pet breeds and types before you adopt, and involve your entire family in the research and selection process. Remember, it’s not a light decision to add a pet to your family, but the rewards are priceless.

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MM: Joe, how do you deal with a case where your intervention is too late and the animal you are trying to protect and save passes away? You work so closely with animals, this has to affect you? How do you deal with it and go on?

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JP: That’s a good question. The thing to remember is that one must stay professional if we are to continue preventing and fighting animal cruelty. It’s never easy, but it is something that has to be done.

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MM: As a law enforcement officer, from your perspective, are our laws tough enough on those who abuse and neglect animals or is the answer for curbing this situation funding more officers?

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JP: More officers would be great, but they must be trained and professional and understand their jobs and the awesome responsibility law enforcement presents to both the public and the officer.

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MM: I’m curious. How do you get your three dogs and two cats at home to get along?

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JP: They were slowly introduced to each other; the dogs socialize mostly with the dogs, and the cats socialize mainly with each other. All socialize with the human members of my family. The dogs and cats are playful and do interact, so it’s a live-and-let-live atmosphere, but from watching them, it’s clear they are more comfortable with their own species and with us humans. I think it’s important to not always keep them separated and to let them slowly and safely be introduced to one another.

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MM: I am assuming you work a five day a week/eight hour schedule a day schedule, including the taping of the show, how do you manage to care for your own pets at home with such a demand on your time?

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JP: There’s almost always another family member at home at all times. Our pets are truly family pets, and my family provides the support network needed.

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MM: Approximately how many cats and dogs are neglected or abused in this country?

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JP: That’s a hard question to answer. But we do know that approximately 10 million animals wind up in animal shelters every year for a variety of reasons, some due to neglect and abuse.

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MM: Am I right when I say that it appears that the statistics are on the rise of people illegally housing wild animals in their homes? Please discuss this with us.

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JP: There have been several cases in New York where exotic pets were found in apartment or other inappropriate place. The housing of exotics is most often not fair to the animals nor the humans around them.

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MM: Lastly, I want you to have the floor. If there is one thing you would like my readers to know, what would that be in terms of preventing cruelty and abuse of animals? The floor is yours!

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JP: Get involved. If you see or suspect animal cruelty, notify your local law enforcement. Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states, and without people’s involvement, animals have little hope of rescue and intervention by people when they are victims of a crime. People should know that they are the animals’ voice when it comes to asking for help.

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My sincere thanks to ASPCA Assistant Director Joseph Pentangelo for taking time out of the most hectic time of the year to participate in "THE INTERVIEW". Remember to Click-Onto my ASPCA Logo found at the Lower Right margin of my Blog Page to become involved, get answers to tough questions, and adopt a dog or a cat who needs you!