September 2016 The ACO Voice A Monthly Magazine from Animal Control Training Services The Only National Monthly Magazine Dedicated to Animal Control The ACO Memorial - A Recent Visit 2011 2016 The ACO Voice - Page 1
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What Makes an Effective Ordinance? By Lauren Malmberg Part Two of a Three-Part Series In last month s article, we described the essentials of a strong local animal control ordinance. In Part II, we will focus on a number of elements that, if included in local law, can improve your ability to positively affect the people and animals in your community. Running at Large This section may be the most important. It should be crafted in positive or affirmative language such as the owner of any animal shall keep such animal confined or under restraint at all times when it is off the premises of the owner's real property and shall not permit such animal to be at large. Doing so eliminates the need to prove the owner allowed the dog to be at large. Some communities go even further and require that an owner keep an animal restrained to their property. Such a restriction means that an owner would be in violation if their animal were loose on their property without restraint. The running at large portion can also provide incentives to avoid repeat violations. A steeply escalating fine structure can be very helpful. Also, you may want to consider mandatory sterilization for pets that frequently run at large. Many running at large prohibitions include all animals not just dogs so you can cite the owner of or impound cats, ferrets, or any other animal kept as a pet. Requirements for reclaiming animals impounded for running at large should also be set forth in the law. Local government can establish their own holding period and set conditions for reclaim (owner identification, proof of ownership, microchipping prior to release, and rabies vaccination and registration prior to release). And, we all have those scofflaws who fail to pay fines issued by animal control. An effective tool to collect those is to require that anyone with an impounded animal pay all fines and fees owed to animal control in addition to reclaim fees before redeeming their pet. A good ordinance can also require sterilization of a pet that has been repeatedly impounded for running at large. The ACO Voice - Page 3 Nuisance Nuisance complaints can be the bane of animal control; they truly affect a community s quality of life. Some of the worst situations come from barking dogs, animal waste on public property, excessive waste on private property, kennels or chains too close to property lines, and more. All of these nuisances can be addressed through proactive local ordinances. Some communities prohibit tethering, some require kennels or restraints for animals be at least 10 feet from adjacent properties. Ordinances requiring owners pick up their animal s waste immediately can address those smelly issues. As for barking dogs one of the most insidious issues facing animal control it can be helpful to appoint a mediator or a board of citizens to hear these complaints and attempt to work out a solution. The nuisance section can also provide another tool to pursue dangerous or vicious dogs. Adding a definition of a nuisance animal as one that chases, molests, attacks, bites, interferes with or physically intimidates any person or one that attacks companion animals while running loose can provide a way to penalize those owners whose dogs have threatened or attacked a person or companion animal. The penalties for this section should be stiff giving you a tool to convince an irresponsible owner to manage their pet more effectively or give them up. If pursued under local ordinance, you can issue citations for violations with escalating fines and, if necessary, impound an animal that may be in danger. Humane Care In the humane care and cruelty sections, you can provide for opportunities to educate owners, cite serious violations, and even impound animals in distress. Local law can more specifically state what is required for humane care, define adequate shelter and protection from the weather, and even set forth tethering restrictions. Be sure to include a provision for the animal control director or administrator to impound an animal in distress. This provision, however, must allow an owner an opportunity to challenge or protest the impoundment. Continued on Page 5
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You will also want to specifically prohibit cruel treatment such as killing or wounding an animal, beating an animal, cropping ears or docking tails without a veterinary license, dog or cock fighting, or allowing an animal to remain unattended in a vehicle when the animal s life or health may be in danger. If pursued under local ordinance, you can issue citations for violations with escalating fines and, if necessary, impound an animal that may be in danger. These sections can give you more leverage and enforcement power to improve your community s public safety. Next month, we ll cover the more creative or innovative approaches to animal control ordinances. https://www.asp-usa.com/ Need a leg up? Contact ACTS for all of your training needs! www.aco-acts.com (Please don t try this at home...) ACTS Recommends ASP Batons The ACO Voice - Page 5
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The ACO Memorial - A Recent Visit By Steve Peterson, Retired ACO During a recent travel through Olathe, Kansas, I stopped in to visit the Animal Control Officer Memorial. Having attended the memorial s dedication ceremony back in October 2011, I wanted to see if any additional names had been added to the heroes listed on the wall. I was surprised to see that the memorial was completely gone. The office appeared closed. The United States flag was no longer flying. The plaques for the heroes had been removed, as well as the memorial sign. The case that housed the 911 steel, as well as the steel, was gone too. The association logo located in the middle of the plaza had been replaced by a picnic table. Not knowing the situation, I contacted my friend John Mays about the whereabouts of the memorial. Mr. Mays didn t know where the memorial was relocated, or if it had been relocated at all. Since I had retired as an ACO and no longer a member, I have been out of contact with the association so I am still clueless as to what happened to the memorial. When I returned home, I dug out some information from my retired ACO box (I think every retired ACO has one). I poured through some past announcements and magazines to learn that more than $80,000 was spent on the memorial s construction and that it was designed by Bacon Architects (they design animal shelters). The New York City 911 steel that was part of the memorial s design was an actual artifact from the Trade Center site. The first of its kind, I was told at the dedication that the memorial was going to be a lasting object to remember fallen Animal Control Officers. Now five years later, the site is nothing more than a picnic area. It saddens me to see the memorial gone. I sincerely pray that it reappears someday, though I doubt it will replicate the grander of its appearance from my first visit in 2011. As a remembrance of the memorial, I have included a copy of the memorial s dedication speech from John Mays back in 2011 The ACO Voice - Page 7 and some remarks and photos of the memorial that were sent to me some time ago by Mike Burgwin. ACO Memorial Dedication Remarks by John Mays Good day, my friends. What we dedicate today is a tribute to animal control officers throughout the world, a monument to the sacrifice and courage of those individuals whom have a sworn oath to protect the citizens and animals in the communities in which we serve. The twenty officers listed on this wall may have passed on from this life, but they are well known to God and to their fellow ACOs. Our memory of their lives and careers will be refreshed again once our own lives have passed and we meet again. For those families and friends here to honor their loved ones, we have gathered for a special day of remembrance and hope. We draw inspiration from those who are enshrined on this wall. This memorial would not have been made possible without the funding of NACA, and the contributions of the NACA members, the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Animal Care Equipment and Services (ACES). Special thanks to our project VIPs whose efforts can be recognized by everyone in attendance today: Richard S. Bacon and Kevin King with the Bacon Group, Inc.; Patti Banks and Robin Fordyce with Patti Banks Associates; H. Robin Milliken with H&R Lawn and Landscape, Inc.; and Robert Rowland with Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems. NACA is forever thankful for your gracious contributions to this project. In addition, the dedication of the NACA Board of Directors and the NACA staff cannot be understated. Your support for the project is a culmination of a humble beginning when the idea of this Continued on Page 9
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monument was first presented to the board in the early 1990 s. Our friend and former NACA Board Member Kevin Kilgore was instrumental in furthering this dream into becoming a reality. The dedication of this memorial also reminds us of the recent anniversary of 9/11. The artifact presented on this site is a gift from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, and to those who lost their lives on that day. This steel beam recovered from the remnants of the World Trade Center pays respect to the lives lost there. Let us never forget. The success of this project can be attributed to one main element you. Those of us who toil every day, working long hours, being subjected to verbal and physical abuse, getting up in the middle of the night for yet another call-out you are the heroes of our profession. You have made NACA the greatest association on the face of this earth. Today, we are blessed by the presence of founders Mike Burgwin and wife Lorna, and Henry Davis, NACA s Legal Counsel. Also in attendance are numerous past NACA presidents and board members, as well as representatives of our supporting state associations. For several of us, in the twilight of life, we represent an ancient history. The heroes represented on this wall are a monument to a life past, present and future, a place of meditation that will be shared for generations to follow. In these names we will guarantee that no one shall be forgotten. Would you please join me in prayer: Lord, as your faithful people, our lives have changed but have not ended. We ask that you remember our fellow animal control officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Bless those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect animals and all humankind. Amen. Continued on Page 10 The ACO Voice - Page 9
Mike Burgwin, Past NACA President and Father of NACA September 12, 1978, NACA is created. October 1, 2011, The WALL of HEROES is dedicated. But WOW! talk about something worth waiting for. Yes, it took NACA 33 years to own a permanent location with the space to build a memorial, but when the time was right, they created a beautiful tribute to our fallen comrades. If you missed the dedication, I m sorry. The Olathe Police Department furnished the honor guard and a nine gun salute. There were speeches that touched on the sacrifices by those killed and those left behind. I talked to some of the relatives of the deceased and came away believing the wall gave them final closure. Their loved ones had lost their lives doing the good work and were abandoned. NOT ANY MORE! If you are ever anywhere near Olathe, Kansas, take the time to go the memorial. You will find it very heart warming. Please pray NACA will never have to add another name to the wall. (Photo Right, Mike Burgwin; Photo Below, Lorna Burgwin & John Mays. Courtesy of Mike Burgwin) The ACO Voice - Page 10
ACTS Training Schedule For a registration form, visit www.aco-acts.com or call 913-515-0080 Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by the SPCA for Monterey County September 26-30, 2016 - Monterey, California Schedule of Training: Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Pepper Spray Certification; Baton/Bitestick Certification; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Stress Management for Animal Control Professionals Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by the Ozark Police Department October 6-7, 2016 - Ozark, Alabama Schedule of Training: Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment Animal Control Protective Equipment Certification - Hosted by the Montgomery County ARC October 17-20, 2016 - Dayton, Ohio Schedule of Training: Baton/Bitestick Certification; Pepper Spray Certification; Handcuffs - Arrest and Control Certification; Taser Certification; Chemical Immobilization Certification Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control October 25-27, 2016 - Phoenix, Arizona Schedule of Training: Citations, Dangerous and Vicious Declarations; Evidence Law and Collection; Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment Animal Control Officer Training - Hosted by the County Animal Controls of Illinois November 2-3, 2016 - Effingham, Illinois Schedule of Training: Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment; Officer Safety and Self-Defense Animal Control Officer Specialized Training Course - Hosted by the North Kansas City Police Dept. November 7-9, 2016 - North Kansas City, Missouri Schedule of Training: Multiculturalism in Animal Control; Citations, Dangerous and Vicious Declarations; Interview and Investigation Techniques; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by Bullhead City Animal Welfare November 14-18, 2016 - Bullhead City, Arizona Schedule of Training: Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Pepper Spray Certification; Baton/Bitestick Certification; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Understanding the ADA and Service Animals for ACO s Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by McCracken County Government November 16-17, 2016 - Paducah, Kentucky Schedule of Training: Chemical Immobilization Certification; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints The ACO Voice - Page 11
ACTS Training Schedule For a registration form, visit www.aco-acts.com or call 913-515-0080 Field Training Officer Certification for A/C Professionals - Hosted by Westminster Animal Management November 21-22, 2016 - Westminster, Colorado Schedule of Training: Field Training Officer Certification Basic Animal Control Officer Certification - Hosted by Hutchinson Animal Services December 5-9, 2016 - Hutchinson, Kansas Schedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Officer Safety and Self Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection; Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by the Los Alamos Police Department December 12-14, 2016 - Los Alamos, New Mexico Schedule of Training: Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Evidence Law and Collection; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by Salem Animal Control December 15, 2016 - Salem, Illinois Schedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints Training Program for Animal Control Professionals - Hosted by White County Public Safety January 9-12, 2017 - Helen, Georgia Schedule of Training: Understanding the Link in Animal Abuse; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints; Interview and Investigation Techniques; Pepper Spray Certification; Baton/Bitestick Certification Basic Animal Control Officer Certification - Hosted by the Palm Springs Police Department February 13-17, 2017 - Palm Springs, California Schedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Officer Safety and Self Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection; Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment Basic Animal Control Officer Certification - Hosted by Hall County Animal Services March 20-24, 2017 - Gainesville, Georgia Schedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection; Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment The ACO Voice - Page 12