Natural Resources: Humane Investigator
Natural Resources
Humane Investigator:
Neal Chung
by Mike Yoshiura
"If you love animals than this is the job for you. We find them a good home, and give them a better chance at having a good life," said Officer Neal Chung.
Chung is a humane investigator at the Hawaiian Humane Society, and his job duties can be portrayed as part officer, part veterinarian, part social worker, part teacher, and all animal lover.
Go With The Flow
After graduating from Farrington High School in 1993, the native of Kalihi immediately entered the workforce. Since his dad never went to college, and he came from a family of six children, Chung always felt that higher education wasn't an option for him. "I got sucked into the workforce right out of high school. Given the opportunity I would have gone [to college], but I wasn't geared for that. My three older brothers never went to college so that had a lot to do with it."
Chung worked at the former Pets Unlimited, in the Kalihi Shopping Center, before he was hired as a customer service representative at the Hawaiian Humane Society in 2002. "When I had the opportunity to become a humane investigator I jumped all over it," said Chung. "It's a job that I could see myself working for a while."
All Part Of The Job
Humane investigators, also tagged "the animal police," can be called to the rescue 24 hours a day. The majority of their training is on-the-job, but there are certification courses that an investigator must pass before taking to the road.
For example, Chung has received veterinary certification so he can put to sleep a sick or dying animal. Like an emergency medical technician (EMT), a humane investigator's patients require a quick reaction time and competent care.
After five years on the job, Chung has pretty much seen it all. "You have to be able to stomach seeing dogs in bad shape."
Your Average Day
So far, he has responded to barking dog complaints, animal cruelty calls, aggressive animals, strays, and even the occasional dog running loose on the freeway. Chung has come to the aide of koi, birds, rabbits, roosters, dogs, cats, iguanas, horses, goats, and even pot-bellied pigs. But the most challenging aspect of the job doesn't necessarily have to do with the animals.
Mr. Personality
"You meet all kinds of people," says Chung, as he sighs. "You have to be a good communicator and you need to deal with a wide range of personalities. This really isn't the job for you if you are the type to lose your cool."
Humane investigators are always trying to appease people so communication skills are a necessity. The people Chung meets come from an array of backgrounds, and often times the public isn't too keen on those trying to enforce the law.
For The People
Chung's first priority is educating the public, and the dog bite prevention class he teaches at the Hawaiian Humane Society is a true testament to that. "You have to take care of the community because they are our eyes and ears."
On The Road Again
In this profession you really need to know your way around the island. Chung can recall an eight-hour shift where he accumulated a record setting 250 miles on his odometer. Of course he drives a company truck!
Chung patrols the Ewa district, which covers Waipahu to Waianae and everywhere in-between. "Before I started this job I didn't know my way around the island. This job takes you to places you've never been before."
Seeing The Signs
Like a Las Vegas poker player, humane investigators need to learn how to detect "tells" from the animals. "You have to be extra cautious, and you have to be able to read the signs. You also have to earn the trust of the animal."
Fortunately, Chung has never been bitten. "Knock on wood," says Chung, as he laughs. "A lot of it is familiarizing yourself with the animals and the different breeds."
A Dual Role
On the mainland, animal control and animal investigation are two separate branches. In Hawaii, a humane investigator is responsible for both duties, making Chung's job a much more daunting task.
Animal investigation, or casework, is almost like social work because the investigators are making sure the animals have adequate living conditions. Most cruelty investigations involve unintentional neglect that can be resolved with proper owner education.
In a dog eat dog world, Chung is doing his part to look after the underdog!