PERSON THAT INSPIRES

JEFF DORSON

By Liz McGehee

THIRTY YEARS AGO, JEFF DORSON FORMED THE LEAGUE IN SUPPORT OF ANIMALS (LISA), KNOWN TODAY AS THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF LOUISIANA.

In the face of overwhelming and pervasive animal cruelty practices across the state, Dorson took it upon himself to become a licensed private investigator. “I had a real transformational change of heart,” he says. “I had a real responsibility to change things.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is the only animal protection agency in the state licensed as a detective agency. The group is leading the fight in state-wide cruelty investigation, offering workshops to law enforcement and changing the laws surrounding animal abuse.

While people were evacuating during Hurricane Katrina and the devastating 2016 floods, Dorson and the rest of his group acted as first responders pulling more than 500 animals to safety. “We felt there was not enough man power on the ground,” he says. “Louisiana does not have stringent evacuation requirements regarding animals, and there is a lot of resistance for taking care of animals.”

But why does Jeff fight so hard for these animals?

When he saw the statewide response to animal abuse, or lack there-of, he couldn’t turn a blind eye. But Dorson isn’t just a cruelty investigator. Much of his time is spent raising donations and awareness for Louisiana’s rescue animals. “We divide it up between crisis management and fundraising. We run two sanctuaries, one for dogs and cats, and one for horses,” he says. It is clear though that the group does much more.

In between interview questions, Dorson is heard advocating for horses in an unknown location. His advocacy is tireless. When asked what a typical day looks like for him, he pauses, taking inventory. The Humane Society of Louisiana workers do a multitude of jobs filling in wherever they’re needed. Animal rescue can be both thankless and fiscally draining, but Dorson and the other members of the Humane Society don’t do it for the money. “It’s not financially smart, but it’s spiritually smart,” he says.

Of course, most people support animal advocacy and rescue at the base level, but how many of them put their money where their mouth is? Or donate their time and labor? “We really need more volunteers. For the number of people who claim to love animals, surprisingly few show up to help.” Volunteering is one of many ways you can help animals. The Humane Society also holds Veggie Fest, a health-conscious annual fundraiser which endorses a plant-based diet to further help animals. It's a great way to get healthy, protect the environment and put your money where your mouth is.

Humane Society of Louisiana, P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA, 70174. 888-648-6263, info@humanela.org

For more information visit their web site www.news.humanela.org