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Interview with Beth Brookhouser, of the Monterey County SPCA in California

Go behind-the-scenes and learn how you can help animals in your community

By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com

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This is my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the SPCA for Monterey County. The purpose of this series of articles is threefold: 1) to educate people about animal neglect and abuse, 2) offer tips to work with humane organizations and help animals in local communities and 3) see real-life examples of how the SPCA changes animals' lives for the better. In other words, I hope to show you how to be the "eyes and ears" to be able to help animals in need, wherever you are. By doing so, you may just save an animal's life or rescue it from another day in misery.

1. Part 1 - Meet Beth and learn about the types of animals they help

Beth Brookhouser, Director of SPCA for Monterey County, California and her dog Paonia.Beth Brookhouser

This article is the first in a six part series on what the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) does for all types of animals in Monterey County, California. I met Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the Monterey County (California) SPCA through my Twitter page.

2. Part 2 - What the SPCA does for animals who need veterinary care

Syringe-feeding a rescued puppy. credit: SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County California
If the animal needs immediate or serious medical care, what does the SPCA do? Can the SPCA house animals at their facility for care? This part of the interview answers what the SPCA does for animals that are rescued or seized by the SPCA who are in need of veterinary care.

3. Part 3 - Identifying animal abuse and neglect

Cat rescued from a hoarder in need of veterinary care © SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County California
Animal abuse is usually easy to spot. Neglect is a little more difficult to define. What is the legal definition of "neglect," and what should people look for when advocating for possible cases of animal neglect and abuse?

4. Part 4 - What to do if you suspect animal neglect or abuse

Border Collie with Humane Officer Captain Adams © SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County
What should people do if they suspect that an animal has been neglected or abused? The obvious answer is to report it, but how and to who? Learn tips for reporting animal neglect and abuse in this segment of the interview with Beth Brookhouser of the Monterey County SPCA.

5. Part 5 - Nervous or not sure about reporting?

SPCA Humane officer Lieutenant Scheid with a rescued puppy © SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County
In this interview segment, get some tips if you suspect animal neglect or abuse but are afraid to report a friend, relative or neighbor.

6. Part 6 - Before-and-After cases from the SPCA for Monterey County

http://z.about.com/d/vetmedicine/1/6/F/Z/cat-hoarder5.jpg © SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County California
In this gallery, see some startling "before" and hopeful "after" cases of animal abuse and neglect involving dog, cat and horse cases handled by the SPCA for Monterey County in California.

Sadly, cases like these are not limited to this SPCA. Rescue organizations and Humane Officers everywhere work with cases of animal neglect and cruelty daily.

NOTE: Some of the images in this gallery are hard to look at. Hard to imagine. Each story does have an encouraging "after" follow-up photo, though.

7. Reader's Respond - Have you ever reported neglect or cruelty?

Bogart the cat, rescued from a cat hoarder by the SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County

Animal neglect and cruelty is something that is hard to think about. We take good care of our pets. Doesn't everybody? Besides, someone else will fix the problem, right? Not always.

Please share your story to encourage others to be the "eyes and ears" for animals everywhere.

8. Career - Meet Captain Adams of the SPCA for Monterey County

Border Collie with Humane Officer Captain Adams © SPCA for Monterey County CaliforniaSPCA for Monterey County California
Captain Adams became a Humane Officer in 2005, not just because she loves animals, but because she wanted to make a real difference in their lives. Unfortunately, animal neglect and abuse is widespread.

9. Career - Meet Lieutenant Scheid of the SPCA for Monterey County

SPCA Humane officer Lieutenant Scheid with a rescued puppy © SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County California
Lieutenant Scheid has been with The SPCA for Monterey County for two years. "I really love my job," says Scheid. "At the end of every day I know I’ve helped at least for one animal. And I always know I can continue to make a difference the next day.

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