On July 17, 2024, the Riverside County Superior Court officially granted Guardian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) the authority to investigate animal cruelty cases, marking a major step forward in protecting vulnerable animals. This decision, five years in the making, allows Guardian SPCA to act as a Humane Officer with the power to investigate animal abuse, neglect, and felony animal crimes—a growing issue both locally and across the nation.
Rialto resident and Guardian SPCA CEO, James Martinez, who is also an Army veteran and law enforcement officer, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the urgent need for additional resources in the fight against animal cruelty.
“Due to increased crime rates, local law enforcement agencies have found it increasingly difficult to effectively investigate allegations of animal cruelty and abuse,” Martinez said. “Unfortunately, instances of animal cruelty are on the rise.”…