Laura Koivula

Director of animal crimes and Investigations

Humane Society of the United States

Laura Koivula is the Director of Animal Crimes and Investigations for the Humane Society of the United States. Ms. Koivula’s breadth of experience includes years of work on farms, an equine training facility, and as a law enforcement officer. During her tenure as an Animal Control Officer in Maryland, she managed cases start to finish, from evidence collection and documentation through preparing for and testifying in court.  Ms. Koivula has been the lead on countless investigations, ranging from those involving a single dog to large-scale cases involving hundreds of farm animals. Her degree from the University of Maryland in Animal Science and years of hands-on experience in the field have provided extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, with expertise in equine and farm animal care.  In her current role, Ms. Koivula manages an all-star team of former law enforcement who investigate egregious cases of animal abuse, collaborating with law enforcement authorities across the country in their pursuit to rescue animals in crisis.