Centre County’s first full-time humane society police officer is made for the job
Mark Rusnak keeps a whiteboard in his office with a running tally of the animals he’s rescued from homes in his year-plus as Centre County’s first full-time humane society police officer.
As of early December, the count included 113 dogs, 18 cats, three horses, 150 rabbits, and a mini donkey.
Rusnak sees the growing financial strain many residents face as they try to care for their pets, and he’s here to offer resources to help. But for those who abuse, neglect, or abandon animals — the latter a growing problem, he says — he’s here to hold them accountable. That whiteboard tally also included five felony arrests, four misdemeanors, and 19 summary counts.
“I understand things are expensive,” Rusnak says. “I understand that shelters are full. Sometimes there’s nowhere to turn. But if somebody was to call me today and say, ‘I have a dog. I’m trying to surrender him to a shelter. Nobody will take him. I can’t afford to feed him anymore; he’s getting skinny,’ I would just help that person. I would figure out somewhere to take that animal.”
Rusnak, a deputy sheriff, has been working as a humane officer since April 2024 and has been full-go in the role since December of that year. The job seems made for Rusnak, a Bellefonte native who wanted to help his community in ways different from serving civil lawsuits and protection-from-abuse orders.
“I have animals — three dogs and a cat — at home. I love animals. My wife loves them. My kids, two daughters, love them,” he says. “And I saw it as a way to truly give back to the community.”
His efforts were expected to be bolstered by a second humane officer, Devan Stoner, who had completed training and was awaiting official approvals for the role as the year ended.
The humane officer position is taxpayer-funded through the county sheriff’s office and works closely with the nonprofit shelter Centre County PAWS.
Matters such as nuisance or stray dogs, bites, and licensing are outside the authority of the humane officer and are typically handled by local animal control or the state dog warden. But when cases involve animal abuse, neglect, or abandonment, Rusnak is on the case.
“I’m a resource,” he says. “PAWS provides free food for people who need it. Pets Come First has a great voucher program for spay and neuter. I’ve done a lot of networking across the state. If people just call (814) 355-6803, extension 7, and ask questions or seek help, I think there’s an answer out there for everybody.”
Here’s more from our conversation.
You took a French bulldog you rescued into your home. Are you tempted to adopt others?
Rusnak: All of them. We’re at 113 dogs now in about a year, and I remember every single one. If you showed me a picture, I’d remember their name, their story, their temperament. I like to spend time with them — that’s the cool part of my job — but it also helps me learn about them before I call shelters and place them.
How do you go about getting shelter for the animals you take?
Rusnak: That’s the more complicated part of my job. My goal is always voluntary surrender. I created a form where people surrender all rights to the animal of their own free will. If they do that, I can take animals to Centre County PAWS, Pets Come First, or even shelters in other counties.
If I have to seize an animal with a search warrant, that animal becomes evidence and isn’t adoptable. Then the county may have to pay to kennel the animal for months or even years while a case is pending. I’m working with a kennel in Julian to hopefully house animals that aren’t surrendered.
Does that happen often?
Rusnak: No. I’ve had a 100% success rate getting people to surrender animals.
For the most part, are you dealing with hostile pet owners?
Rusnak: No. People are generally good. I deal with angry people sometimes — understandably so — but I try not to butt heads. I understand where they’re coming from. The majority of people I deal with are reasonable.
Is abandonment an issue?
Rusnak: It is. Dogs are getting dumped along rural roads more and more. I think it’s financial. Pets are expensive. People get overwhelmed, and instead of asking for help, they abandon them.
Is there a case that stands out as especially rewarding?
Rusnak: A silver lab that was severely underweight — barely able to walk. PAWS took him in, put him on a refeeding plan, and he was eventually adopted by his foster family. He looks like a completely different dog now. I still check on him.
I think animals know when you’re there to help them. You can see it in how they look at you.
Has the job been what you expected?
Rusnak: I didn’t expect it to be this busy. But I think we’re making a positive impact. I hope that someday my job doesn’t exist — that would mean people are taking better care of their animals. T&G
Mark Brackenbury is a former editor of Town&Gown.
