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MICHAEL DUFFEY Animal Cruelty Investigator, Educator and Lecturer |
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Michael Duffey is a nationally recognized authority on animal cruelty prevention and investigation. Assigned to the Community Outreach Department at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), Mike brings his vast experience to bear through field investigations, speaking engagements and law enforcement training. Mike spent thirty-four years with the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) before his retirement in 2007. During his long and distinguished tenure with PCSD, Mike served 32 years as a SWAT member and instructor, 12 years as a paramedic, and 8 years as a hostage negotiator. During his last 8 years with the department, Mike became the first dedicated animal cruelty detective in the county, and literally "wrote the book", on how to handle cruelty investigations. He also helped to create multiple law enforcement trainings on topics ranging from felony-investigations, ritualistic abuse and issues relating to exotic animals. Mike has received numerous honors and commendations for his dedication, humanitarian action and innovative programs. His most notable achievements include acting as a founding member of the Animal Cruelty Task Force of Southern Arizona (ACT), the state's first and largest animal protection coalition. Under Mike's leadership the ACT received the ASPCA's Pet Protector Grand Prize Award for 2003. Mike also won the prestigious American Veterinary Medical Association's Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2004 in recognition of his dedication to protecting animals. As HSSA's first civilian animal cruelty investigator, Mike continues to aid animals in need by assisting law enforcement with there investigations, monitoring pet stores and animal breeders, providing public outreach, on cruelty prevention, and acting as an expert educator. |
