When you ask Chris Schindler how he came to lead the MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement department, he'll tell you it all started with a dog.

"It was my first week as an animal caretaker," Chris recalled. "An officer came in with a dog from a cruelty case. She was emaciated, and I'd never seen anything like it. I didn't even know there were officers who did this kind of work. I knew right then this is what I wanted to do."

That one moment in time set Chris on a nearly three-decade career in animal protection, spanning roles in Maryland, Washington, DC, national animal welfare organizations, and now at the MSPCA-Angell in Boston. Along the way, he's investigated everything from animal fighting to large-scale neglect cases, trained law enforcement on animal cruelty protection across the country, and helped develop community programs that keep people and pets together.

"I've always believed in looking at the whole picture," he said. "Yes, some situations require prosecution. But often, helping someone get resources they need can prevent animals from suffering in the first place."

A Team Like No Other

Today, Chris heads up a small but mighty team of six humane law enforcement officers covering the entire Commonwealth. They respond to cases of cruelty, neglect, and abuse involving all kinds of animals, including cats and dogs, of course, but also horses, farm animals, and even the occasional peacock and alpaca.

"No two days are the same," Chris said. "One morning, you think you're handling a case with one animal, and by the afternoon, you're coordinating the care of 44 animals who all need immediate attention."

The MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement department is the only team in Massachusetts with the expertise and resources to handle large-scale seizures. That means when a case involves dozens of animals, the team steps in, gets the animals to safety, and ensures they receive immediate medical care.

The First Voice You Hear

Many of the MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement cases begin with a call to Meaghan O'Leary, the department's first official Dispatch Manager. Meaghan's background in animal sheltering gives her a unique perspective: she knows when an issue requires an officer's response and when connecting a caller with resources can help just as much.

"Meaghan has transformed the way our department operates," Chris said. "She bridges the gap between law enforcement, sheltering, and veterinary teams. That means animals get help faster, and our officers can focus on the cases where they're needed most."

More Than Law Enforcement

While the phrase "law enforcement" might conjure images of arrests and court cases, much of the team's work is about helping people.

"People are surprised when I tell them that 99.9% of our job involves working with people," Chris said. "You can't help animals without engaging with the people who care for them or sometimes the people who have hurt them. We're there to find solutions, not just punish."

That means connecting struggling pet owners with food and veterinary care, arranging temporary housing for animals during emergencies, and finding ways to keep families together whenever possible.

Mazy the Cat

There are some cases, however, that do lead to criminal charges. One recent example was Mazy, a cat brought to a veterinary hospital with injuries that didn't add up.

"When we reviewed her records, we saw she had been treated for other suspicious injuries in the past," Chris explained. "The previous injuries were healing at different intervals and may not have been caused by a one-time incident."

Mazy was surrendered to the MSPCA-Angell, where diagnostics revealed multiple fractures in different stages of healing. Despite her pain, she remained affectionate, head-butting staff even when her face was swollen.

"She's a perfect example of why we do this work," Chris said. "Seeing where she started to now being in a loving home — animals are so resilient. It's amazing to see them recover."

Challenges in the Field

With only seven officers covering the Commonwealth, the department faces significant challenges. Each officer is responsible for roughly 50 towns, and cases often require extensive travel, evidence gathering, and court appearances.

"It's not just about showing up," Chris said. "Our officers are on the road all day, but they also have to document everything, prepare case files for prosecutors, and testify in court. It's a lot to manage, especially with such a small team."

The department is working to expand its resources, from replacing aging vehicles to equipping officers with better tools for animal handling and evidence collection. Chris also hopes to develop training for local police and animal control officers, bringing courses directly to communities to increase participation.

Thanks to Donors

Unlike municipal police, the MSPCA-Angell's Law Enforcement department is entirely donor-funded. Outfitting an officer with Uniforms, equipment, and a vehicle can cost thousands of dollars, not including the months of police academy training required for certification.

"Our work wouldn't exist without donor support." Chris said. "Every call we respond to, every animal we rescue, every family we help it's because people believe in what we do."

After nearly 30 years in the field, Chris has seen the worst of what people can do to animals. But he's also seen transformations that keep him going, like the terrified dog from a dog-fighting case who, after 15 minutes of gentle coaxing, climbed into his lap. "She ended up adopted by a vet tech and had the happiest life," Chris remembered

For Chris and his team, every day is an opportunity to protect animals, support people, and make Massachusetts a safer, kinder place for all living beings. "Even on the hard days," he said, "we know we're making a difference. And that's worth everything."

READ ARTICLE: Meet the MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement staff