The Humane Society of Louisiana, a group devoted to investigating cases of animal cruelty, will soon open a new chapter on the Northshore.

Founded in 1988, the group currently has eight chapters around the state, with four currently under construction. Its goal is 20 chapters by the end of 2009.

“We’re still a grass roots group,” said Jeff Dorson, the society’s executive director. “We only have chapters in those parts of the state that don’t currently have any services.” Dorson said his group would complement those services already in place in St. Tammany. The agency specializes in cruelty investigations, and is a licensed private agency. While it does not have police powers, it does use the same tools, such as surveillance, evidence collection, and witness interviews to put together cases against suspected animal abusers.

Out of 64 parishes, fewer than 50 percent have any animal control services or a humane society at all. Dorson said that in some of the smallest parishes, there are no shelters in entire parish, so there is no one to call if there is an animal in distress.

“Our phone rings off the hook, so we’re trying to establish satellite offices to meet those needs,” he said.

The group also inspects existing shelters. While St. Tammany Parish recently unveiled a state-of-the-art facility in Lacombe, many in rural areas are in extremely poor condition. Dorson said often a tiny room has been hastily constructed, and are overseen by a part-time worker that has not received adequate training.

The society plans to put on a cruelty workshop so citizens can learn what the laws are in regard to animal cruelty. Training will be offered on what to look for, how to collect and preserve evidence, records keeping and documentation. Much like a crime scene investigation unit, the group goes where the crime occurred and pieces it together.

Dorson’s main goal is to put together a Rapid Response Animal Protection Team, comprised of 250 people around the state that will help solve crimes involving animals on the Internet.

“We’ll get a call that an animal has been killed or horribly abused,” said Dorson. “Members of the team join us at scene, take pictures, and post description on out Website asking people to help solve the case.”

Last year the group had several arrests, all of which had been previously overlooked by law enforcement agencies.

An organizational meeting will be held Feb. 4 at the Covington branch library, 310 W. 21st Ave., starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 1-888-648-6263 or visit www.humanela.org.