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ANIMAL WATCHAnimals all over the world and those who fight to protect them are mourning the loss of the physical presence of a true hero with the passing of Eric L. Sakach, 71, former humane investigator and Senior Law Enforcement Specialist for the Human Society of the U.S. (recently renamed, Humane World for Animals). Eric died at 2:30 a.m. on November 17, 2025. The loss brought a nationwide outpour of respect, gratitude and determination to carry on his mission of stopping animal cruelty – and especially illegal animal fighting.
Messages were posted on Facebook, Linked-In and other prominent social media and other message boards all over the U.S.—and, undoubtedly, in many other posts around the world.
Eric passed in the arms of his beloved wife, Kat--to whom, in an open display of his lasing love, he had recently sent a billow of hearts on his Facebook page.
There is no measure of the impact this one hero had by teaching and organizing training of law-enforcement agencies nationwide on the importance of addressing cockfighting and dog fighting -- the forgotten victims of a lifetime of physical and emotional deprivation and cruelty (often shortened in violent death in the combats for which they were bred and trained.) Eric shared this specialized knowledge all over the country and the world for over 44 years.
Shown above: Eric Sakach with Marcia Mayeda, Director of L.A. County Animal Control, Steve Cooley (then L.A. District Attorney, Robert Beals, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department; Phyllis Daugherty, President, Animal Issues Movement at Los Angeles
Eric also taught law-enforcement agencies everywhere the importance of addressing these blood sports that generate untold amounts of money from gambling and he stressed awareness of the importance of addressing these events in all communities. He not only emphasized the cruelty to animals but also the impact on society.
Daniel Ettinger, Field Manager and Cruelty Investigator for Orange County Animal Control, said so well what we all feel:
“Eric truly changed the world for animals -- especially the forgotten souls bred, trained and dying in illegal dog and cock fighting matches. With his training classes and personal interaction with law enforcement, he provided the awareness of cruelty in a way that involved action, not just rhetoric. And he also assured that his tremendous knowledge and experience would be passed on to future generations of law enforcement officers. But, he also never hid his warm and loving heart and was devoted to family and his wife, Kat, whom he openly adored. He gave his gift to the world in so many ways and, equally important, shared the tools for his work to be carried on. He was and is deeply loved and will never be forgotten.”
Beth Caffrey posted our thanks on Facebook. “Cannot believe Eric L. Sakach won't be physically here to lead compassionate humane people anymore. However, his unwavering diligence to move the humane movement forward has his everlasting strength and conviction. Very grateful for all that he has done for our community and so many communities. May we carry his legacy on in his honor.”
And I am adding my own thoughts and gratitude for having the honor to be trained by and work with Eric L. Sakach, cruelty investigator, teacher, friend, husband and beloved father, who has left a mark on, not only the U.S., but worldwide understanding of the impact of cruelty to animals on society. See: Cockfights never a cause for crowing – L.A. Daily News
But, he also never hid his warm and loving heart and was devoted to family, his cherished two daughters and his wife, Kat. He gave his gift to the world in so many ways and, equally important, shared the tools for his work to be carried on. He was and is deeply loved and will never be forgotten.
Below are photos that portray Eric Sakach at work and play – the ways he would want to be remembered:
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee and a long-time animal welfare advocate. A contributor to CityWatchLA, she is known for her investigative reporting on animal shelter operations, misuse of public funds, and the dangers of poorly regulated pet adoption policies. She is a strong proponent of public safety in animal control, advocating for stricter oversight of aggressive dog breeds, especially pit bulls, and for breed-specific legislation.)
