Animal workshops offered for citizens, police

Proper handling of dogs and other animals will be the focus of a pair of workshops later this month at Northwest Missouri State University.

On Nov. 26, the Northwest Advocates for Animal Awareness will host a dog services clinic, then on Nov 30 the Northwest Police Department will offer a free law enforcement-related training session on animal control/enforcement for police officers, prosecutors, animal control personnel and animal welfare advocates.

The clinic will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov 26, at the University Police headquarters on West Ninth Street east of the Administration Building with parking available in adjoining Lot 22.

Staff from the Nodaway Veterinary Clinic and the New Nodaway Humane Society, along with Northwest Advocates for Animal Awareness members, will be on hand to provide a number of services, include vaccinations, city dog tags and micro-chipping.

That same night marks the beginning of obedience classes sponsored by NWAAA and Amy Mathias of Smitten Pet-Sitten. The class, which also take place at the police headquarters, begins at 6:30 p.m. and will continue on Thursday, Nov. 29; Monday, Dec. 10; and Thursday, Dec 13.

Offered at no charge for animals adopted from the society's local shelter, the class will give first priority to pit bull owners. Remaining spots will be available for owners of other breeds. Dogs will be tested and certified during the final session.

To register, call Mathias at (660) 528-0902.

Titled Animal Welfare and the Law, the law-enforcement workshop is set for 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 30, at The Station, a student services center located near the high-rise residence halls on campus.

Those participating can earn four hours of Police Officer Selection Test credit (two hours of legal training and two hours of technical training) or four hours toward the Minimum Continuing Legal Education requirement set forth by the Missouri Bar.

Staff from the Humane Society of Missouri will provide police officers, prosecutors and animal welfare/animal control personnel with training designed to prepare them for animal cruelty investigations. Topics include enforcement, investigations, impoundment, euthanasia, animal behavior and abuse, and family violence.

University Police Officer Kristina Martinez said interest in animal welfare law is growing, and that lawyers are delving into animal law at an increased pace.

Those interested in taking the training should register by Friday, Nov. 23. To reserve a spot, call Martinez at (660) 562-1254 or email khargin@nwmissouri.edu. Please provide names of participants and course credit needed.