A former Lieutenant in the NYPD has been named Director of theSPCA of Westchester's Humane Law Enforcement Division.

Shannon Laukhuf, Executive Director of the SPCA of Westchester says Ernest Lungaro of Pleasantville comes to the job with more than 20 years of criminal investigation experience,"Ernest Lungaro's outstanding law enforcement expertise will help take our Humane Law Enforcement Divison to a new level in intervening and prosecuting individuals who are harming or killing animals."

His main responsibility according to the organization is to "protect animals from Westchester from cruelty and neglect" through "aggressive enforcement of New York State law."

The SPCA of Westchester receives calls reporting neglect and abuse that range from animals living in unsanitary conditions or being left out in the cold without no shelter, to cases of dogs and cats being intentionally starved or abused resulting in injury or death.

The Humane Law Enforcement Division responds to calls placed to the SPCA of Westchester's hotline, (914)941-7797.