Enforcing and Prosecuting Animal Cruelty Laws in Texas: A Phenomenological Study
Enforcing and Prosecuting Animal Cruelty Laws in Texas: A Phenomenological Study
Author:
Trina C. Burkes-Hodge
Program of study:
D.M.
Abstract:
This qualitative phenomenological descriptive study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors in Harris County, Texas that handles animal cruelty cases under the newly enacted animal abuse laws of the 82nd Texas legislative session. The purpose was also to uncover the phenomenological issues relating to exploring past lived experiences that facilitated or hindered professional judgment and the affect on law enforcement officers and prosecutors before and after handling an animal cruelty case. In-depth interviews were conducted with five law enforcement officers and five prosecutors from Harris County, Texas. The data were analyzed using Moustakas’ modified Van Kaam method, along with the NVivo 10® qualitative analysis computer software. The issues were examined related to law enforcement officers and prosecutors felling ill-equipped or unprepared to handle new and expanding animal cruelty cases in Texas. The four themes developed were (a) law enforcement officers and prosecutors felt their organizations experienced problems dealing with the newly enacted legal changes; (b) management ignored the emotional, physical, and psychological stressors of working animal cruelty cases; (c) law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies must deal with unanticipated consequences to the change in enacted legislation; and (d) there is a
lack of professional development and legal training opportunities. A result of data analysis and interpretation was law enforcement officers and prosecutors depend on anticipated changes by management, proper training, and mental and emotional well-being (Horne, 2013) to assist them in enforcing and prosecuting the newly enacted legislation in Texas.
Dedication:
The study was completed purely by the mercy and grace of God, who bestowed upon me love, health, protection, wisdom, knowledge, and strength to persevere and complete this study and my doctoral journey.
The study is dedicated to my parents, James and Elouise Spicer, Jr., who in love, stuck by me through sickness and in health and remained steadfast in their support of my efforts despite my many trials and tribulations. Thank you for instilling in me the qualities of integrity, respect, and honor, those of which I hold near and dear to my heart and continue to influence my abilities as a daughter and a mother.
Furthermore, the study is dedicated to the 2009-2013 Harris County District Attorney, the Honorable Judge Patricia R. Lykos; the Chief of the Public Services and Infrastructure Bureau, the Honorable Judge Hannah Chow; Chief Investigator Don McWilliams; Chief Assistant District Attorney Belinda Ann Smith; and the remainder of the District Attorney’s Office Executive Committee. Thank you all for creating the first District Attorney’s Office Animal Cruelty Section in the nation and choosing me as the DA Investigator.
Finally, I dedicate the study to my hero, my champion in life, my son, James “Jimmy” Elliot Jones, V, who is currently working on his doctoral degree. Jimmy has been my driving source of love, strength, and encouragement. His drive and dedication to academic excellence is a guiding force in my life. I love you Honey’s Love!!!
Acknowledgements:
The project would not have been possible if it were not for the dedication and patience of Dissertation Chair, Dr. Mary Ann Wangemann, and dissertation committee members, Dr. Linda Bell-Robinson and Dr. Shana Nicholson. I love you all for never giving up on me and will forever be in your debt. As a committee you provided valuable suggestions, encouragement, and critical guidance for this study with the final goal of academic perfection. I have arrived!
I would like to thank my loving parents, James and Elouise “Foxy” Spicer, and Dr. Maurice F. Hodge, Jr. I must thank the loves of my life, my son, James V (Jimmy), his father, James IV (Jimbo), my grandson, James VI (Isaiah), and my loving siblings, Dr. Tina L. Douglas (my Twin), Joe, Sharal and Sharon (Twins), and James III for their undying love. I also thank my family, friends, and coworkers for their tireless support.
I must pay homage to my special friend and academic soul mate, Dr. Anita Foster-Horne. I met Dr. Foster Horne when we were both doctoral learners at the University of Phoenix. We figured out quickly that this doctoral journey could not be traveled alone, God sent her to inspire, transform, and amaze me. Not only did she managed to single handedly keep me on task in every aspect of my life, Dr. Foster-Horne has become my God sent friend, my sister.
I owe a great deal of gratitude to former District Attorney Judge Patricia R. Lykos and Chief Assistant District Attorney Belinda Ann Smith for making animal cruelty a priority in Texas. You two are phenomenal women, I love you both. I give special thanks to Constable Kenneth W. Berry and Chief Investigator Don McWilliams, my lifetime professional mentors.
I thank current District Attorney Devon (and Mike) Anderson, and Assistant Chief Lofton Harrison of Precinct One for contributing to this study by allowing me to use their agencies. Last but not least, I thank the participants of the study. Without the very knowledgeable volunteers this research project would not exist. Their personal contributions have assisted in contributing a unique work to the body of knowledge in the fields of management, criminal justice, and animal cruelty.