MHS Cruelty Investigators
Meet the current Michigan Humane Society Cruelty Investigation Team: |
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Debby MacDonald Debby is certified by the Law Enforcement Training Institute of the University of Missouri's Cruelty Investigation School, and also serves as an instructor and presenter for cruelty investigation professional development opportunities nationwide. She currently resides in the metro Detroit area, and has two dogs, two tarantulas, and a cat - all adopted from MHS. Despite the difficult situations you encounter, what keeps you passionate and able to come to work everyday? "The fact that everyday we’re able to make positive changes in animal lives is what keeps me motivated." |
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Mark Ramos Mark is certified by the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute, and currently resides in the metro Detroit area. He has six pets – including a bearded dragon, a three-legged dog, and a cat who was found after being set on fire by neighborhood bullies – all adopted from MHS. What is the case that sticks out most in your mind? "The cases that stick with me the most are those that involve kids. They’re often violent crimes, and the kids involved often seem immune to what they’ve done. It’s scary, because they become so desensitized that if someone doesn’t intervene, there’s often no hope for them." |
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Michele Baxter In addition to receiving police academy training in Utah, Michele is certified by the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute. Michele currently resides in the metro Detroit area and has two pets, an English Budgie and a parakeet. What is the best part about your job - what makes it “worth it”? "Being able to see a case from beginning to end - to watch it unfold and see animals who were once abused find a great home. It’s uplifting to know that my conversations with people made a difference, and that I can educate them and help them better care for their animals." |
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David McLeod David is certified by the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute. How does it make you feel when you are able to help an animal in a situation of cruelty or neglect, such as a dog tied in a backyard without proper food, water and shelter, not to mention stimulation and social interaction? "When we're able to either greatly improve a suffering animal's conditions through educating the owner or get an animal out of a bad situation and into a loving home, it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. A dog or any other pet is a living, breathing creature and needs to be loved and cared for by his family." |
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Dr. Shirene Cece Dr. Cece began her career at MHS in 1977 as a clinic assistant and receptionist. After earning her D.V.M. from Michigan State University, she returned in 1984 as a veterinarian, and eventually became the supervisor of the veterinary center. What do you find most satisfying about helping animals in need? "The most satisfying moments are when an abused animal is rescued, treated and adopted out to a caring home!" |
Natatia Nix and Pat D’Herde Natatia began working at the Michigan Humane Society in 2003 as a receptionist for the Detroit Veterinary Center. In 2005 she began dispatching calls for the Emergency Rescue Department; when the Cruelty Investigation and Emergency Rescue departments united operations two years later, Natatia stepped into her current role. Pat began working for the Cruelty Investigation Department in July 2008. Prior to joining MHS, Pat gained significant accounting and police training experience throughout the metro Detroit area. She also received direct animal care experience while opening her home to animals in need of dedicated foster care. |