Ride-along with humane investigators at the SPCA for Monterey County

Tuesday NewsChannel 5 was on the front lines of the effort to save animals from dangerous situations.

It’s not a job that suits everyone, but for Cecilio Lozano being a humane officer at the SPCA for Monterey County just comes naturally.

“It’s just a perfect job for me. I love it. I love the investigations, I love animals. So this is where I am and this is what I love to do.”

Lozano’s job is not always easy, “We just dont know what type of calls we’re going to get. We always try to be prepared. We try to help all these animals. If we have to, we have to rescue them and bring them to the SPCA.”

One of Lozano’s first stops of the day was on the outskirts of Prunedale. I wasn’t the first time Lozano had visited this home; last month he received an anonymous tip about the weight of dogs living there.

Lozano said the dogs looked healthier this time but he did make some suggestions to improve the roosters living conditions.

Roosters used for cockfighting is an ongoing problem in Monterey County. Now, Officer Lozano is also educating these owners about the new county law which animal services will enforce.

“If we come to a property where they have more than five roosters which this new ordinance is saying they can only have five…So we’ll be making referrals to them so they can come and visit that property,” said Lozano.

From there it was on to Castroville, where Lozano checked on reports of an injured lamb. Lozano recommeded additional vet services to the lamb’s owners.

Officer Lozano says he and the SPCA depend on the community’s support so they can be there to protect the animals that depend on them the most.

“We find them a better home, a family that’s going to be responsible and that’s going to give them a perfect life.”