6:30 AM - 3:30 PM EST       Registration

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7:30 AM - 9:10 AM EST - TEASLEY BALLROOM/SALON 1

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Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster

During an emergency/disaster, community safety relies upon effective communication and collaboration of many participants. The relationships between law enforcement, animal control officers, shelters, rescues, volunteers and veterinary professionals play a key role in addressing how each segment works together.

We review the intersection between human and animal welfare and discuss how effective collaboration has led to positive outcomes for people and pets alike. We'll delve into the critical roles each play in keeping pets safe and explore considerations for establishing effective relationships between all interested parties.

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Presenters:

Venessa Sims, MEP, GA-CEM, Director of Outreach Law Enforcement and Emergency Management, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Eric Thompson, Owner and Lead Instructor, ASAR Training, Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response;       

                             Past-President of NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member

Harlan Proveaux, Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Georgia Department of Agriculture

Bruce Stanford, Deputy Director, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management, Georgia Department of Agriculture

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9:10 AM - 9:30 AM EST      Break - Networking  (Skelton Prefunction Area)  

 

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST

Track 1 - SALON 6: Law Enforcement and Animal Services: Testifying at an Animal Crime Case: What you need to know to do and not to do.

When court dates are set, charges are filed, and the process begins for your animal crime case. Do you have all the details? Is evidence documented to support charges and allegations? What do you need to file and do?  Learn what to say and what not to say.  Learn how to be truthful and ensure success. This will help you prepare you to present everything to all involved - judge, jury and defense.

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Presenter: Kimberly Schwartz, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit

 

Track 2 - SALON 5: Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness: What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX and how we can do better in upcoming disasters. 

Several states have experienced severe events in the last year.  This course delves into what our experts have experienced, learned and what they suggest for future emergencies/disasters

 

Presenters: 

Venessa Sims, MEP, GA-CEM, Director of Outreach Law Enforcement and Emergency Management, GA Department of Agriculture

Eric Thompson, Owner and Lead Instructor, ASAR Training, Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response; Past-

                            President of NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member

Jeremy C. McLendon, Deputy Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross

Shannon Walajtys, Director - Disaster Response, IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Kelly Johnston, Senior Program Officer, IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Clint Ganus, Manager, Disaster Response, ASPCA

 

 

Track 3 - SALON 4: Animal Sheltering 101: Shelter Cleaning ABCs

Proper cleaning and sanitation are critical to keeping your population healthy. But do you know everything you need to know about the products you’re using, how they should be applied and the latest tools and techniques for maximizing disease prevention?  This workshop will ensure the hard work your team is putting into cleaning is actually paying off.

 

Presenter: Inga Fricke, Executive director, McKamey Animal Center

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10:35 AM - 11:35AM EST

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Track 1, 2 & 3 - SALON 5:  Everyone       

Georgia Lawmakers - Several new animal laws passed in 2025 Session: What they are and what they mean for  you and your community.

Lawmakers join the APAW Expo to give updates on several new animal laws and what they are working on for 2026.  

 

Presenters: 

Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Department of Agriculture

Lt. Governor Burt Jones (Via a video message)

Senator Kay Kirkpatrick 

Representative Dale Washburn

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears

Claudine Wilkins, Animal Law Expert, Founder Animal Law Source, The Animal Protection Society & APAW Expo

Andy Lord, Lobbyist (8-10 minute Legislative Update) 

 

11:35 AM - 12:35 PM EST   LUNCH - ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON 

             EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN 

 

12:40PM - 1:40PM EST   

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Track 1 - SALON 6: Law Enforcement & Animal Services: Mental Health Challenges: Addressing these in your daily interactions

This course is designed to provide law enforcement and animal control officers with the skills and knowledge needed to address mental health challenges they may encounter in their daily interactions. Gain insight into how to recognize signs of mental health issues, provide initial support and refer individuals to appropriate resources. Attendees will gain an understanding of how mental health first aid has positively impacted the ability of LEO’s and ACOs to manage stressful situations and improve community relations.

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Presenter: Noelle Browning, MSW, LCSW, University of Georgia (Veterinary Teaching Hospital)  

 

Track 2 - SALON 5: Animal Disaster Coordination: Enhancing Preparedness and Response For Animal Welfare Professionals. 

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed specifically for animal law enforcement, animal emergency managers, and professionals within the animal industry. This comprehensive session will focus on disaster resource management, equipping you with critical problem-solving tactics to effectively handle both anticipated and unforeseen disasters in your community.  In this workshop, you will evaluate and respond to various disaster scenarios; and gain valuable insights and feedback to enhance your preparedness and response. If you don’t have a disaster plan, don’t worry! We’ll provide a template at the end of the workshop. Prepare yourself and your organization to face disasters with confidence and competence. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your disaster response strategies and ensure the safety and well-being of animals in your care.

 

Presenter: Eric Thompson, Owner and Lead Instructor, ASAR Training, Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response; Past-President of NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member

 

 

Track 3 - SALON 4: De-escalation of difficult interactions: A preventative approach.

How do you approach a difficult situation that minimizes escalation at the beginning?  Here we will discuss techniques and information on how to successfully de-escalate volatile situations in the field or office. We will provide tactics to minimize behaviors in people your staff interact with, how to anticipate and defuse these situations with individuals or groups and what to do when de-escalation fails.

 

Presenter: Ara Baronian, Director, Basic Training Section, Georgia Public Safety Training Center

 

1:45PM - 2:45PM EST     

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Track 1 - SALON 6: Law Enforcement & Animal Services: New Ordinances in your community?  Staying up-to-date and enforcing these new procedures, Dangerous Dog Investigations & Prosecutions 

Claudine has recently been involved with helping to write several new laws and ordinances. She will discuss how to stay up today as state laws and county ordinances are put in place.  She will also discuss Dangerous Dog investigations and prosecutions.  

Presenter: Claudine Wilkins, ESQ., Animal Law Expert, Founder of Animal Law Source, The Animal Protection Society and the APAW Expo.

 

Track 2 - SALON 5: POST Certification for Animal Control Officers: How the only county in Georgia has POST certified ACOs, the pros, the cons and how can this happen in your county.

   

Presenter: Trey Garcia, Director, Hall County Animal Services

Track 3 - SALON 4: Animal Sheltering 102: The Five Freedoms 

What’s the most important question you should be asking yourself every day? It's “did every animal in my organization receive the most humane care possible today?” But how do you actually answer that question? By ensuring each animal is getting the benefit of all “Five Freedoms.” Learn how you can use the Five Freedoms to be certain every animal in your charge is being provided the most humane care possible.

 

Presenter: Inga Fricke, Executive director, McKamey Animal Center

 

2:45PM - 3:15PM EST      Break - Networking  (Skelton Prefunction Area)  

 

3:15PM - 4:30PM EST   

 

Track 1 - SALON 5: How Court Case with Sandy Springs Man Killing His Fiancé’s Dog, Was WON!
Deputy District Attorney of Fulton County, Jill Hollander, presents how with the help of law enforcement and other witnesses, won this horrific case, where the perpetrator received 11 years without parole. This case can be pivotal for future animal abuse cases in getting higher sentencing and winning more cases.  Detective J.T. Williams will be joining Ms. Hollander to discuss law enforcement’s role in helping to gain this conviction

 

Presenter:  Jill Hollander, Deputy District Attorney, Fulton County, Georgia

                    Detective J.T. Williams, Sandy Springs Police Department

                    Officer Kellie Smith, Sandy Springs Police Department

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Track 2 - SALON 4: Recognizing Parrot Neglect and Abuse

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify signs of neglect and abuse in parrots, even without prior avian experience

• Recognize when intervention is warranted and how to document it

• Understand the emotional and psychological toll parrots suffer in neglectful conditions

• Apply legal standards and determine when to escalate cases for prosecution or veterinary evaluation

• Interact safely with parrots during seizures or wellness checks

• Recognize that parrots are wild animals—not domesticated—which contributes to their complex welfare needs and       

   increases their vulnerability in captivity

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Presenter: Mike Bautsch, Certified Avian Specialist, Founder/CEO,Georgia Aviary, Inc.

 

Track 3 - SALON 6: Ask the Trainer – from rescue to the home.

As a dog trainer and behavior consultant, Victoria is often asked questions about canine behavior, especially when it relates to issues like anxiety, reactivity and aggression. It seems like more and more dogs are suffering with these kind of issues causing so many problems for them and their families. 

 

Whether you work or volunteer in rescue, fostering, sheltering or need some questions answered about your own dog’s behavior at home, this is the time to get the answers you seek.

          

Presenter:   Victoria Stilwell, Renowned Professional Dog Trainer