NHSPCA Training On Animal Cruelty

Join NHSPCA Director of Animal Protection Michelle Murch, Investigators Tiffany Ryder and Tona McCarthy for a special interactive training right here at Tomten. Together, we will walk throughout the sanctuary as they share their expertise and real-world experience, discuss the realities of animal cruelty and neglect investigations, and answer questions along the way.

While this training is designed to help law enforcement, animal control officers and others better recognize and respond to animal cruelty and neglect, we are excited to open it to our Tomten friends as well.

It is a unique opportunity to learn more about the challenges animals face in our communities, the work happening behind the scenes to protect them, and how sanctuaries, animal welfare organizations, law enforcement and you can all work together to better protect animals in our communities.

This special training is FREE to active Tomten donors (anyone who has made a donation in 2026).

Not an active donor? You are absolutely welcome too. Registration is just $25, and all registration funds will be transferred to the NHSPCA in support of their work protecting animals throughout our communities.

Important Details:

Please read carefully as we have a few important details to share before joining us for this special training.

Gates open 15 minutes prior to the event for check in (so 9:45). They close promptly at 10:00 as the training begins.

Our address is 929 Court Street, Haverhill, NH. Should you arrive early, please wait in your vehicles along the road until the gates open to allow parking at the big red barn.

Please plan your schedule accordingly. To preserve the training experience, we are unable to accommodate early arrivals, late arrivals or unregistered guests. Likewise, we ask that your dogs sit this one out and remain home. We cannot allow dogs at the event and for their own safety, they cannot remain in your vehicles. Please note that we do lock all gates once the training has begun.

This will be an interactive, walking training throughout the sanctuary, so appropriate footwear is required. No flip-flops or sandals allowed. Please dress for the weather and bring layers. Late October in New Hampshire can bring bright sunshine, cold wind, rain or even snow showers, sometimes all in the same day, so please come prepared to be outside and on your feet.

Bring your passion for animals, your curiosity and lots of questions, as well as a signed Tomten release (simply copy and print from the confirmation email you will receive after registration) and a photo id. We cannot admit anyone without a release and photo identification, no exceptions.

Please note that this is a professional training focused on animal cruelty and neglect and is designed primarily for law enforcement, animal control officers and others involved in animal welfare and protection. The subject matter and discussions are intended for adults, and this is not a family event. We kindly ask that attendees be 18 or older.

We are grateful to the New Hampshire SPCA Animal Protection Division for bringing this training to Tomten and giving our community an opportunity to learn directly from the investigators doing this important work.

Thank you for being on this journey and for caring so deeply about the animals in our communities.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

– Jen, Laima, Michele, Julia, Lynn, Judy and all the Rescues who call Tomten home.