Humane Society’s Animal Cruelty Investigator Named Horseperson of the Year

COLUMBIA, SC – March 4, 2013 – The Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which works to end animal overpopulation and investigates and addresses animal cruelty complaints, announces that its full-time cruelty investigator, Eddie O’Cain, has been named the South Carolina Horse Council’s (SCHC) 2013 Horseperson of the Year.

With a background in law enforcement, O’Cain joined the Humane Society of the Midlands in 2009 as a cruelty investigator, making the Humane Society the only non-profit animal welfare organization in South Carolina to employ a full-time investigator. Through his work with the Humane Society, he has been instrumental in investigating hundreds of animal cruelty complaints, which often end in rescuing animals of all kinds from harm. O’Cain is also routinely called upon to work with law enforcement agencies statewide by investigating potential animal abuse or neglect.

“Eddie exemplifies the intent of the Horseperson of the Year Award and the SCHC is proud to honor and to thank him for his statewide efforts in making a difference in the South Carolina equine community,” said Betty Rankin, as she presented the award at the SCHC 2013 Expo on February 9, 2013 in Camden, S.C.

O’Cain’s dedication to animal welfare and horses, in particular, helped the SCHC establish its Welfare Committee and routinely helps with the organization’s Horse Help Hotline calls. He often fosters and rehabilitates ill-treated horses in his own home. Additionally, O’Cain and his wife foster dogs and own horses, alpacas, llamas, cats, parrots and fish.

“Eddie’s expertise is invaluable to the Humane Society,” said Wayne Brennessel, executive director of The Humane Society. “And because he is a true animal lover, his compassion for horses and any animal that’s being abused or neglected means that he’s making our entire state more animal friendly.”

For more information on the Humane Society, call (803) 783-1267 or visit www.HumaneSC.org. Follow the Humane Society on Facebook.
 

The Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1902 to address animal welfare issues in central South Carolina. Since its inception, The Humane Society focused on ending animal cruelty, neglect and abuse. In the early 1980s The Humane Society began to address animal overpopulation by offering low cost spay/neuter surgeries. The Humane Society is located at 121 Humane Lane in Columbia.