Everyday Ethics for Animal Control Officers

Registrations: 124

Date/Time by Timezone

Thu, Jul 13th, 2023 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET
Thu, Jul 13th, 2023 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CT
Thu, Jul 13th, 2023 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM MT
Thu, Jul 13th, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM PT
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Wearing a badge brings a certain amount of power and great deal of responsibility.  Animal control and humane officers make many decisions daily that impact people’s rights, public safety, animal welfare, and—most importantly—themselves and their career.  Almost all of us want to do the “right” thing in each case.  But, with so many competing interests, how do we know what the “right” thing is?  Is it ‘right’ to allow an animal to remain in a place where it will likely suffer?  Is it ‘right’ to bend the rules to stop or prevent animal suffering?  Who should own an animal, and what can they do to/with that animal?  And, what about euthanasia?  We will explore some of the real-world dilemmas that officers face regularly and discuss how to make the best decisions possible.

 

This session will cover:

  • Animal, mineral or vegetable: what is a profession and are we one?
  • What are the most important qualities in an animal control/humane officer?
  • What influences can move the needle on our moral compass?
  • Right vs. wrong; is it really black and white?
  • Truth or consequences: When is it okay to lie?
  • Should you compromise your principles?

 

Other Webinars with this Presenter:

 

Or, click here to register and view other Animal Welfare webinars and recordings on the JCH website. 

 

 

 

This webinar is part of the JCH Summer School Program. From June 1-August 31, 2023, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance via email about one hour after the conclusion of a webinar.

Want to join us for other Summer School webinars? Check out our Summer School Calendar and register today!

 

 

 

This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presenters:

Harold Holmes has been the Executive Assistant for The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control since 2016.  Prior, he was a Deputy Director for the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services and before that retired as a Chief of Police in northern California.

Harold is a former U.S. Marine who was recalled to active duty for the Gulf War.

A hostage negotiator and police canine handler of an award-winning patrol dog at Redlands P.D., when he retired from police work, he began a new career as an animal control officer.    While at San Diego County Animal Services, he developed the Responsible Pet Ownership Program for animal-law violators, which won an award from the California State Association of Counties.  He has experience drafting and shepherding legislation that became law at both the State and local level.

Managing San Diego County’s Dangerous Dog Task Force for three years inspired him to attend law school.  Harold graduated as the Valedictorian from Western Sierra Law School and was admitted to the Bar in June 2013.  He is also a hearing officer, a trained mediator and teaches a variety of legal and law-enforcement related topics.

He has completed management and executive level trainings, including the County of Los Angeles/USC Executive Leadership Development Program.

 
 
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