George Bengal, 69, animal-rights crusader

George Bengal, 69, the humane law enforcement director for the Pennsylvania SPCA since 2007, died Saturday, June 18, at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Jenkintown after a nearly four-month battle with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and terminal cancer, the shelter announced.

"George Bengal was an icon, a fierce warrior against animal cruelty, and a street-smart cop who led by example," Jerry Buckley, CEO of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said in a statement. "The animals have lost their best friend, and we have lost a most special colleague."

Mr. Bengal was diagnosed in February. He suspected he was exposed to asbestos, the known cause of the disease, while serving in the Army during the Vietnam War.

After the war, Mr. Bengal became a Philadelphia police officer. He worked major crimes, narcotics, and SWAT before being assigned to the K-9 unit and teamed up with Sparky, a bomb-detection dog.

He retired after 22 years and launched another 20-year career advocating for animals as a humane law officer.

"He and his teams have saved thousands of animals, brought hundreds of criminals to justice, and been the voice for the voiceless," the PSPCA said in a statement issued Saturday night.

Mr. Bengal worked with the Women's Humane Society and the Delaware County SPCA before moving to the Pennsylvania SPCA around 2005.

Mr. Bengal became the face of humane law in the region.

He and his team were profiled on the TV show Animal Cops: Philadelphia on Animal Planet and in a National Geographic show, Philly Undercover."

"We are doing whatever we can to honor everything that George has taught us," PSPCA Sgt. Nicole Wilson said in a statement. "We continue to do our best to make him proud of what we do, and to put his name on it. Very few people are irreplaceable, but George is irreplaceable. We hope to continue his legacy."

In May, Mr. Bengal expressed concern that the humane law enforcement bureaus across the nation might be in danger. SPCA branches are struggling to raise funds and cutting back on their programs. The Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police, and other local law enforcement agencies do not have personnel specifically looking at animal abuse, he said.

"There will never be another George Bengal," Buckley said. "But as he wanted us to, we will carry his mission forward in our efforts to put an end to all animal cruelty."

In May, the shelter started the George Bengal Fund to End Animal Cruelty to help sustain its work in prosecuting animal-cruelty cases and to honor Mr. Bengal.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carole; two daughters, Lisa Bengal and Kim Gremo; and a grandson, Shane.

Carole and Lisa Bengal were with Mr. Bengal when he died.

Donations may be made to the George Bengal Fund to End Animal Cruelty by either calling 215-426-6300, Option 6, or visiting www.pspca.org/bengalfund.

mschaefer@phillynews.com

610-313-8111@MariSchaefer