Q&A with Darleen Wood ARL’s Associate Director of Law Enforcement Earlier this year, ARL welcomed Darleen Wood as its Associate Director of Law Enforcement. In her new role, Darleen will manage the department along with investigating animal cruelty and neglect. With Darleen assuming these administrative duties, ARL's long-time law envorcement officer, Lt. Alan Borgal, will focus full-time on major case investigations. ARL's new investments in law enforcement reflect the difficult realties we see every day and, a renewed determination to confront animal cruelty. Darleen joins ARL after nearly 20 years of experience as an Animal Control Officer (ACO) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most recently for the City of Lowell. Darleen brings a wealth of knowledge to the organization with two Graduate certificates in Victim Studies and Forensic Criminology, a master’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Criminology and Justice. She will also earn her Juris Doctor degree from the Massachusetts School of Law this spring. A lifelong advocate and lover of animals, Darleen recently sat down with OFFF to share why law enforcement is such an important piece of ARL’s mission to keep animals safe and healthy in their habitats and homes. Here’s what she had to say… OFFF: You had a close relationship with ARL during your tenure as an ACO. How does it feel to be part of the ARL organization? Darleen Wood (DW): Lt. Alan Borgal has been a mentor and the gold standard in this field. His knowledge and experience is unmatched; not just in Massachusetts, but throughout the country. It’s an honor to work alongside him and the rest of ARL’s dedicated staff and volunteers. Additionally, when I met ARL’s President, Mary Nee, I felt that we were on the same journey. We both believe that education, training, and knowledge is critical in animal welfare — for not only the public, but also for local and state officials. OFFF: What positive changes in animal welfare have you noticed in recent years? DW: Massachusetts is becoming a leader in animal
welfare pushing for better laws and legislation, like Too Hot for Spot, which includes the anti-tethering statute. Key members of our judicial system can now more clearly see the effects of animal cruelty, suffering, and neglect and how it impacts the people in our community. These advancements put ARL’s Law Enforcement Department in a position to grow and become even stronger because our important work is now backed by legislation. It’s a huge step! OFFF: How important is it for citizens to report suspicions of animal cruelty? DW: It’s extremely important. Animal cruelty comes in many forms, not all of which are obvious. For example, if you notice an animal outdoors for an extended period of time, excessive barking, or a pet living in a house in deplorable conditions, these may be signs of animal abuse or neglect. ARL’s Law Enforcement Department exists to help keep animals out of harmful situations. We encourage anyone who suspects suspicious behavior to call our hotline at (617) 226-5610 so that we can look into the situation. OFFF: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in animal law enforcement? DW: I always wanted to be able to help out animals that were in bad situations. I started off in college working towards being a veterinarian and then converted to the psychology side of the animal world which has developed into my profession today. Animals are my true life’s passion, both at work and at home. I currently have four rescue cats, two dogs, and three horses.
Suspect animal cruelty? 18
Call ARL's Law Enforcement Department at (617) 426-9170.