Licensing and Vaccinations
By R.D. Ford
So many times we have contact with dogs and/or cats, depending how the city ordinances read regarding licensing and vaccinations. One important part of our job is to ensure that these domestic animals are currently licensed and vaccinated. I am sure that in most jurisdictions these ordinances are enforced.

One way that may help you accomplish this, is during your first contact with a pet owner. When you are issuing a citation for dog at large, or whatever the contact may be, give the pet owner enough time before the court date to get current vaccination (Rabies) and buy a city license. Then after they get their pet currently vaccinated and licensed, make a recommendation to dismiss the charges at least this one time.

I understand that this may not go along with policy, and therefore you should not do this. I have this set up with my prosecutor and the municipal court at least one time. If this works for you, many things can be accomplished on this first and only one time basis. I will make the citation for No Current Dog License, and give a warning for the dog at large.

First of all you have identified the owner with the pet. Some people will plead not guilty because you did not give them a warning. Now you have been helpful to inform the owner about licensing and vaccinations, you have made your identification of pet owner and pet. You have given them their warning, and probably will not see that pet at large again, or as many times as you have in the past. And, with you find the pet at large again. . . What recourse do you have but issue them a citation fir Dog at Large. These contacts are helpful in At Large cases, Barking Dog, and No Food or Water cases.

After all at least for the first time, getting a pet vaccinated and licensed is worth a warning for a dog at large.

New KACA Logo Unveiled
It was a unanimous decision by the Board to select the new KACA Logo. Our winner, Tiffani Saltkill from the Salina Animal Shelter, was presented with a check for $200 and our thanks for creating a design that we think represents the professionalism of our organization. We want to thank all who submitted designs, including: Gretchen Garrett of Wichita Animal Services, Cindy DeGraw-Dressler of Leavenworth Animal Control, and Brady Simmons of Haysville PD. It was not an easy decision for the Board to make. Many of the designs would represent us well, but we could only select one. Those attending Conference this year will have the first opportunity to purchase merchandise bearing the new logo. After conference, look for the new merchandise to be available on the KACA website.

Are You Protected for Rabies? The following policy statement was taken from the NACA website:

National Animal Control Association Policy Statement Personnel Training and Safety—Pre-Exposure Rabies

POLICY STATEMENT
All animal control officers and those working in the field of animal control should be protected from the possibility of exposure of rabies.

BASIS FOR POLICY
The rise of rabies in wild populations combined with the increased frequency of animal control handling of wildlife cases, makes the animal control officer and other personnel a higher risk to exposure than the average citizen.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Agencies should provide their employees with pre-exposure rabies immunization programs

Reviewed/Revised by the NACA Corporate Office—09/17/02.

ANNUAL TRAINING CONFERENCE
The 2006 Annual Training Conference is scheduled for September 27, 28 & 29, 2006 in Salina, KS at the Holiday Inn. Look for a registration form to arrive in your mailbox soon!

Speakers for this conference include:

• Jerry Long, a motivational speaker and champion calf roper who, consequently, is also blind.
• Charles Jantzen, Chief Cruelty Investigator for the Houston SPCA
• In addition we will be offering training on fundraising, for those who work for non-profit organizations.
• ASPCA representatives will give us a legislative update, including changes to Kansas’ cruelty laws.

Other Up-coming Events

If you need to learn how to use your tranquilizer equipment, or just need a refresher course—KACA will be offering an 8-hour certification class on Chemical Capture as early as August 2006.

The course includes classroom and practical training.

The class is currently being formed and will be held in the KC metro area. If you’d like to register for the class, contact Liz Bartels at c214@leawood.org.

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