Hawaiian Humane Society
Newsletter People for animals. Animals for people.
March – May 2017
Giving Hawaii’s animals a voice There are a number of cases that stand out in Officer Rob Church’s 25-year career with the Hawaiian Humane Society, but there’s one in particular that always comes to mind. A radio station listener called KSSK with a tip. Eight horses were left without water in the heat of Waikele. Without a vehicle large enough to haul water for the animals, Church called the Honolulu Fire Department for backup. “They showed up The with a tanker full Honolulu Fire of water,” he said. Department and the “They filled up Hawaiian Humane Society partner together the dusty, empty to provide water to Nowadays, you’ll see horses’ troughs to eight parched horses. Church driving around the brim. As soon in a bright green rescue as they stepped away, van, rather than on horseback; the horses rushed over however, he continues to perpetuate and began gulping away. You Ward’s legacy. could see how thirsty they were.” In total, the abandoned animals were Since joining the Society in 1992, no provided over 800 gallons of water. day has been the same. Rob applied for the job on a whim and before long “It was a great day for the animals,” he was shadowing peers, studying said Church. The owner pled guilty animal-related laws and learning to eight counts of animal cruelty. He how to safely handle animals. Now, received probation, was fined and a quarter of a century later he could agreed to quarterly inspections of not imagine being anywhere else. his horses by the Hawaiian Humane “Every day is a new experience and Society. opportunity to help the animals and Church follows closely in the mission people of Hawaii,” said Church. of animal welfare pioneer Lucy Ward. Currently working in the West Oahu As one of the Society’s first humane area – a sprawling region from agents, Ward launched manhunts for suburban neighborhoods to rural owners of abused horses and took to farmland – Church might respond to the streets of Honolulu on horseback animal cruelty complaints or reports to help rescue animals in distress. of lost or found animals each day.
Two to four officers patrol the entire island daily to rescue animals and investigate cruelty cases and respond to complaints. The part he likes best about the job is seeing a happy ending. “It’s so gratifying to see an animal I’ve rescued find a new home. There is nothing like watching an animal get a second chance, the feeling is like nothing else.” The job does come with heartache, though. Church recalls an instance when he investigated an animal cruelty complaint and found the owner’s dog to be old, underweight and ill. The owner realized it was more humane to say goodbye, but it was an emotional send-off. “Older pets are hard,” Church said. “Pet owners are often doing their best, but continued on page 4