Humane officer accuses Monongahela police chief of not pursuing animal cruelty cases

By Max Robinette
mrobinette@yourmvi.com
A Washington County humane officer expressed concern about the Monongahela Police Department’s alleged lack of animal cruelty charges over the past four years.
During Wednesday night’s city council meeting, Humane Officer Cathy Cunningham addressed council and police Chief Kevin Harris. She claims since Harris became chief in 2019, the department has neglected to pursue animal cruelty charges.
“I have assisted the Mon City officers for years prior to the present chief of police,” Cunningham said. “It has come to light that all Mon City officers that cover New Eagle, Union Township and the city are not permitted to enforce anti-cruelty laws.”
The state appoints humane officers on a county-by-county basis. The position has the authority to enforce animal cruelty laws after training and approval by the Court of Common Pleas and their respective district attorney.
Cunningham said she regularly works with departments across Washington County, to educate officers on animal cruelty laws and to file animal cruelty cases that happen in a department’s jurisdiction.

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