Free Texas C.A.R.E.S. Workshop Offers Hands-On Animal Cruelty Investigations and Response Training

“Comprehensive Animal Cruelty Response, Education and Support,” Will Be Offered Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2025

DALLAS — The ASPCA, in partnership with the SPCA of Texas, will host a free two-day training, Texas C.A.R.E.S. (Comprehensive Animal Cruelty Response, Education and Support), Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Love Field (3300 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235).

This immersive workshop is designed for law enforcement, prosecutors, veterinarians and animal sheltering professionals from across Texas. Attendees will engage in a comprehensive case study that follows an animal cruelty investigation from start to finish, building practical skills in:

• Investigation, seizure and evidence documentation
• Testimony and legal disposition
• Shelter intake, care and placement of animals

The program also will feature role-specific breakout sessions covering topics such as operational planning for hoarding cases, transportation and sheltering of large-scale intakes, forensic veterinary examinations and pathway planning for animal placement.

“Animal cruelty cases are complex and require a coordinated, skilled response,” said Courtney Burns, chief investigator, SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit. “Through Texas C.A.R.E.S., we are equipping professionals with the knowledge, tools and confidence to better protect animals and strengthen communities.”

The workshop is free to attend, with continuing education(CE) credits available. Limited travel stipends are offered to participants traveling more than 75 miles.

Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at www.aspcapro.org/texascares.

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County. The entity maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruel situations each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other organization and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

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