WARREN — A local animal rescue has taken on a larger role in protecting animals across Trumbull County.

On Wednesday, Healthy Hearts & Paws Project was officially named a humane society and its founder, Jason Cooke, was sworn in as a humane agent. The designation, granted by Trumbull County Probate Judge James Fredericka, gives Cooke the authority to enforce animal cruelty laws countywide.

Cooke said the move was a natural step for his organization.

“With the overwhelming number of dogs, cats and animals in general not being cared for in Trumbull County, the natural thing was for me to go through the training to become a humane agent,” Cooke said.

He recently completed training approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.

Cooke explained that his main goal is to help pet owners before a situation becomes severe. He hopes to use education to help families, especially those struggling financially, keep their pets.

“I don’t want to go around and take everybody’s animals. … There’s not enough space for that,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to work with the owners and see if there’s a reasonable remedy that could result in a cat, whatever, staying in the house.”

While education is the priority, Cooke said his new authority is another “tool in my tool belt” that will be used when needed. In serious cases, he can now remove animals from unsafe conditions and help pursue criminal charges.

This expanded role also will bring challenges. Cooke expects the organization will have to take in more animals from severe neglect and abuse cases.

“It’s definitely going to be a stress on us,” he said.

The rescue is already strained. Cooke reported that Healthy Hearts & Paws is caring for 109 dogs, which is 50 more than its capacity. The facility also is at its capacity for cats, with 42.

Still, Cooke believes the new designation is an honor and an important step to help animals in the community.

“I obviously care deeply for all these animals in the county, and I want to be able to help them to the best of my ability,” he said.