AGENDA
25th Annual APAW Expo
Day 1 - Friday, October 18, 2024
Registration: 6:30 am - 4:30 pm EST
Conference 7:30 am - 4:30 pm EST
Exhibit Hall Open 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
6:30AM - 7:30AM EST - Registration
Registration, Information, Badge and Swag Bag Pick-Up
Come to our Registration Table located across from Starbucks inside the Hotel at Avalon. There are signs posted throughout the hotel. Schedules will be posted outside of meeting rooms for each Track. There will also be a printed program in your swag bag with the schedule, map of hotel, exhibit floor and information about speakers.
LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON - EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN @ 11:00 AM
7:30 - 9:10AM EST - Track 1 & 2 EVERYONE
Joint Session with GVMA - Intelligent Use of AI: The Opportunities and Requirements Related to the Use of New Technologies in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine and How AI affects Animal Case Investigations (POST, CLE, LEAP)
This session will cover Four main areas for practitioners:
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The easy to adopt and available AI technologies that Veterinarians can or are using now, and an explanation of the differences between Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, and other AI types;
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The technologies on the horizon and those which are all "hype" and not likely to be useful or deployed in the next two years;
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Requirements for usage of AI: current requirements under the Georgia Practice Act related to AI as well as restrictions in other professions that are being implemented;
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Future proofing your practice: how to prepare your practice for AI within the minimum standard of care.
Presenters: Dr. Duffy Jones, DVM, Veterinarian at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital
Don Riddick, Esq.
9:10 - 9:30AM EST - BREAK
MORNING BREAK - NETWORKING
Soft drinks, water and light snacks offered in Skelton Area, Exhibit Hall is NOT open until 11:00am
Please Note: Next Course will start promptly at 9:30 AM
9:30 - 10:30AM EST Track 1 Law Enforcement, Animal Control & Services
Dangerous Dog Management: We were making progress until this happened… (POST, CLE)
Prior to 2020, animal care and control agencies were making progress with managing dangerous dog investigations and dogs that were already classified as dangerous. However, today we seem to be losing that battle. This presentation will address the factors influencing the spike in dog attack fatalities and bites that result in dangerous dog classification. You will be surprised who is responsible. Topics include dangerous dog statistics, ethical decision making, agency policies, and public service paradigms.
Presenter: Doug Eddins, Founder and Executive Director, American Cruelty Investigations School
9:30 - 10:30AM EST Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Round Table Discussion: Do You Know What To Do In Natural Or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department Prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations. (POST, CLE)
We have gathered experts in this field to go through procedures for people and animal management during natural or man-made disasters. This is to help make sure all agencies collaborate, how they should collaborate and what all need to do to be prepared. With all the weather challenges and other disasters, you don't want to miss this course!
Presenters: Venessa Sims, GDA, Director of Emergency Management, Regenia Wells, GACCA President, Jason Smith, Companion Animal, Equine and Livestock Poultry Program Director, Harlan Proveaux, GDA Law Enforcement Director/Inspector General, Eric Thompson, Owner and Lead Instructor, ASAR Training, Josh Cary, National Director for American Humane, Will Lanxton, GEMA/HS State Meteorologist, Tracy Reis and Mike Perkins, Atlanta Humane Society
10:35 - 11:35AM EST - Track 1 & 2 EVERYONE
Georgia Lawmakers: Round Table Discussion on Companion Animals and Legislative Update (POST, CLE)
This will be a great opportunity to hear updates and new items happening in Georgia. If you have a question or comment, please write your question or comment on a piece of paper and give to emcee Claudine Wilkins at the beginning of the track.
Presenters: Lt. Govenor Burt Jones, Tyler Harper, New Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, Michelle Long Spears, Dekalb County Commissioner, District 2 and Andy Lord, Lobbyist (8-10 minute legislative update)
11:35AM - 12:45PM EST - LUNCH BREAK
LUNCH BREAK - ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON - EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN
Lunch is own your own at over 25 restaurants throughout Avalon. There is also a Whole Foods with several hot and cold bars. We will reconvene at 12:45 to continue the rest of the courses. The Exhibit Hall is also open. Over 100 exhibitors are sharing their services and products.
Please Note: Please do not get lunch in the exhibit hall. That is for GVMA attendees and if you grab lunch from there, you will be charged $55 per person.
12:45 - 1:45PM EST - Track 1 Law Enforcement, Animal Control & Services
Criminal Case File Analysis: Avoiding Mistakes and Obtaining Best Outcomes (POST, CLE)
The difference between winning and losing a criminal case is found in the details of how you conduct the investigation and how you obtain your evidence. This presentation explores several animal cruelty investigations and identifies potential pitfalls that could have led to a poor outcome. Case files presented include animal cruelty, equine cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting and hoarding.
Presenter: Sgt. Stephanie Eddins, Lead Cruelty Investigator, Escambia County, Florida
12:45 - 1:45PM EST - Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Understanding the Four Phases of Disaster Response and How You Fit. (POST,
“You don’t know what you don’t know”, so when a disaster hits your organization and your community, do you know the questions to ask and how to get the support you need? This session will look at lessons learned from the Hurricane Helene response and other responses around the country and the common challenges impacting organizations when it happens to them. We will address the needs and how to get them met, challenges with social media, and misinformation.
Presenter: Diane Robinson, Executive Director at Lake Oconee Humane Society in Greensboro, GA
1:50 - 2:50PM EST - Track 1 Law Enforcement, Animal Control & Services:
The Future of Animal Protection in Georgia (POST, CLE)
How to address issues in your county/city and make it "the Model Animal Services Department". How to prepare and present your case to police, detectives, and the DA’s office to successfully create a working relationship to prosecute cases appropriately.
Presenter: Walter Hattrich, City Marshal, City of Tybee Island Police Department
Nina Schulze, Adoption Manager of Humane Society of Greater Savannah
1:50 - 2:50PM EST - Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness: (POST,
Animals in Disaster Drill Briefing
Instructors take your through steps in rescuing animals in natural or man-made disasters. Learn best practices and the best way to organize yourself and the community during a disaster.
Presenter: Venessa Sims, GDA, Director of Emergency Management
Mike Perkins, Safety Officer, Atlanta Humane Society
2:50 - 3:30PM EST - BREAK
AFTERNOON BREAK - EXHIBIT HALL OPEN - NETWORKING
Soft drinks, water and light snacks offered, Exhibit Hall is open with over 100 exhibitors sharing their services and products.
Please Note: Next Course will start promptly at 3:30 PM
3:30 - 4:30PM EST - Track 1 Law Enforcement, Animal Control & Services:
Pet Safety, Emergency Treatment for Your Pets, Pet CPR (POST,
Pet First-Aid is the first thing you do when an animal becomes sick or injured to prevent the patient from getting worse and hopefully make that pet more comfortable until you reach veterinary care. In this session, Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader, will teach you how to check vitals (respiration, pulse, temperature & capillary refill time), handle heatstroke, control bleeding, and perform Cardio-Pulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation to assist a dog or cat in your care.
Presenter: Denise Fleck, Owner/Founder Pet Safety Crusader
3:30 - 4:30PM EST - Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Emerging & Classical Zoonoses in a Rapidly Changing World Including Disasters (POST, CLE)
This course discusses emerging and classical zoonotic diseases evident in our world today and what to look out for during natural or man-made disasters. Knowledge is power, you and your team need to be prepared.
Presenter: Nicole L. Gottdenker, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVP. Associate Professor of Anatomic Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, UGA
Day 1 - Friday, October 18, 2024
TRACK 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue, Etc.)
Please Note: Track 3 has a different time schedule
7:30AM - 8:30AM EST - Registration
Registration, Information, Badge and Swag Bag Pick-Up
Come to our Registration Table located across from Starbucks inside the Hotel at Avalon. There are signs posted throughout the hotel. Schedules will be posted outside of meeting rooms for each Track. There will also be a printed program in your swag bag with the schedule, map of hotel, exhibit floor and information about speakers.
LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON - EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN @ 11:00 AM
8:30 - 9:30AM EST Track 3 Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, etc.):
“Figo’s Law” – Georgia’ New Public Safety Animal Statute and The Importance of Veterinary Forensics. (POST, CLE)
This course will present an in-depth look at “Figo’s Law” – Georgia’s new and improved public safety animal protection statute that became effective July 1, 2023. “Figo’s Law” substantially increased the criminal penalties for certain crimes against law enforcement animals – but with that increase in penalties comes a need to makes sure that – if the unthinkable happens – our cases are as air-tight as possible. That’s where veterinary forensics comes in, and this course will also let you know what’s available in that field that you may not know about, and where to find help when you need it.
Presenters: Dr. Doris Miller, D.V.M, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Kimberly Schwartz, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
9:30 - 11:30AM EST Track 3 Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, etc.):
Social Media and Your Public Safety Animal – PR and Pitfalls, National Thought Leader & Expert on Use of Force (POST, CLE)
Police K9s and other public safety animals are one of the most effective public relations tools available to any law enforcement agency, and social media is being used by many handlers to multiply that potential, but there are pitfalls to avoid. Learn from an experienced K9 handler about the many ways to “do it right” and from a civil attorney experienced in representing police officers in “use of force” litigation about the perils involved and the ways in which your partner’s social media presence could potentially be used against you.
Presenters: Lance LoRusso, Attorney at Law, The LoRusso Law Firm, PC
Officer Ed Reeves, Powder Springs Police Department
11:30AM - 12:30PM EST
LUNCH BREAK - ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON - EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN
Lunch is own your own at over 25 restaurants throughout Avalon. There is also a Whole Foods with several hot and cold bars. We will reconvene at 12:30 to continue the rest of the courses. The Exhibit Hall is also open. Over 100 exhibitors are sharing their services and products.
Please Note: Please do not get lunch in the exhibit hall. That is for GVMA attendees and if you grab lunch from there, you will be charged $55 per person.
12:30 - 1:30PM EST - Track 3 Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, etc.):
Public Safety Animal Emergency Medicine (POST,
From heat exhaustion to accidental drug exposure to snakebite to traumatic injuries like gunshots or stabbings – law enforcement K9s and other public safety animals are exposed to a variety of dangers in the field. This course is designed to teach you, the handler, what you absolutely need to know to render life-saving emergency aid until you can get your partner to the animal hospital
Presenter: Dr. Haley McCall, D.V.M., Blackshear Veterinary Hospital and Urgent Care
1:30 - 2:30PM EST - Track 3 Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, etc.):
Search and Seizure Overview, Case Law Update (POST, CLE)
How to address issues in your county/city and make it "the Model Animal Services Department". How to prepare and present your case to police, detectives, and the DA’s office to successfully create a working relationship to prosecute cases appropriately. A review of general search and seizure principles related to the use of detection K9s, including the most recent case law updates.
Presenter: Kimberly Schwartz, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
2:30 - 3:30PM EST - Track 3 Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, etc.):
Courtroom Presentation (POST, CLE)
An arrest is only half the battle; the ultimate goal is for your case to result in a conviction and sentence. There’s an art to presenting your case well to a judge or jury to make sure that conviction happens. In this hour, an experienced trial prosecutor gives you the tips needed to be a star witness for the State.
Presenter: Kimberly Schwartz, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
3:30 - 4:30PM EST - Track 3 Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, etc.):
Motion to Supress Mock Hearing (POST, CLE)
A courtroom cast of experienced litigators along with an experienced K9 handler and supervisor demonstrates what it could look and feel like in a real-life motion to suppress hearing where your dog’s reaction is the issue in a serious violent felony.
Presenters: Chief Wayne Fisher, City of Warner Robbins Police Department
Kimberly Schwartz, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
Greg Bell, Defense Attorney
Michael Chidester, Mayor of
Adjourn – THANK YOU and see you tomorrow morning!
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Day 2 - Saturday, October 19, 2024
Sponsored by Fix Georgia Pets
Registration: 7:00 am - 8:00 am EST
Conference 8:00 am - 4:50 pm EST
Exhibit Hall 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Track 4 is brought to you by Fix Georgia Pets. This is a specialized track specifically for shelters, 501c3 rescues, fosters, and spay/neuter. The courses offered are designed specifically to help you run your organization better, learn about the laws, resources, diseases, multi-animal impounds, transport, spaying/neutering, pet overpopulation, best practices and more. Plus, Fix Georgia Pets will be giving away (2) - $2500 grants and (1) - $5,000 grant. You must be present to be awarded these grants. There is also a special price for those who only want to attend Saturday.
7:00AM - 8:00AM EST - Registration
Registration, Information, Badge and Swag Bag Pick-Up
Come to our Registration Table located across from Starbucks inside the Hotel at Avalon. There are signs posted throughout the hotel. Schedules will be posted outside of meeting rooms for each Track. There will also be a printed program in your swag bag with the schedule, map of hotel, exhibit floor and information about speakers.
LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON - EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN @ 8:00 AM CLOSES @ 3:30
8:00 - 9:10AM EST Track 4 Animal Shelter/Rescue/Foster/Spay/Neuter:
Animal Control and Shelters Working Together for the Best Outcome for Animals (POST,
This course will be how animal control and shelters and rescues can work together to for the best outcome for the animals, people and communities.
Presenters: Doug Eddins, Founder and Executive Director, American Cruelty Investigations School
9:10 - 9:40AM EST BREAK
MORNING BREAK - EXHIBIT HALL OPEN - NETWORKING
Soft drinks, water and light snacks offered, Exhibit Hall is open with over 100 exhibitors sharing their services and products.
Please Note: Next Course will start promptly at 9:40 AM
9:40 - 11:40AM EST Track 4 Animal Shelter/Rescue/Foster/Spay/Neuter:
Round Table Resources - Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescue/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services, Renewing your Ordinance (CLE)
This course brings together top experts in animal sheltering, rescuing, fostering and spay & neuter. The first 45 minutes will be a round-table discussion on best practices, new and innovative procedures, and much more. The remaining time, each instructor will be available at separate tables for individual questions and answers. Learn how you can help better your shelter, rescue, foster and spay/neuter.
Presenters: Tricia Holder, Executive Director, Fix Georgia Pets
Mark Dowis, Director of Development, Good Mews Cat Rescue
Lauren Frost, Director of Development and Marketing for Planned PEThood of Georgia
Jan Jones, Founder of Butts Mutts Rescue
Lori Trahan, Associate Director, Academic Strategy and Finance, Kennesaw State University
11:40AM - 1:00PM EST LUNCH BREAK
LUNCH BREAK - ON YOUR OWN - AT OVER 25 VENUES AT AVALON - EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN
Lunch is own your own at over 25 restaurants throughout Avalon. There is also a Whole Foods with several hot and cold bars. We will reconvene at 12:30 to continue the rest of the courses. The Exhibit Hall is also open. Over 100 exhibitors are sharing their services and products
Please Note: Please do not get lunch in the exhibit hall. That is for GVMA attendees and if you grab lunch from there, you will be charged $55 per person.
1:00 - 2:00PM EST - Track 4 Animal Shelter/Rescue/Foster/Spay/Neuter:
Best Practices for Maximizing Lifesaving in Animal Sheltering
A look at the current nationally recognized strategies to decrease unnecessary intake & length of stay and maximize positive outcomes & your releationship with the community.
Presenter: Carrie Ducote, MS, Principal Consultant Shelter Savvy
2:00 - 2:30PM EST - BREAK
AFTERNOON BREAK - EXHIBIT HALL OPEN - NETWORKING
Soft drinks, water and light snacks offered, Exhibit Hall is open with over 100 exhibitors sharing their services and products.
Please Note: Next Course will start promptly at 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:30PM EST - Track 4 Animal Shelter/Rescue/Foster/Spay/Neuter:
Animal Sheltering in 3-D, A Veterinarians Perspective on 30 Years
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Gloria Dorsey provides an in-depth look at policies and procedures veterinarians have used for the last 30 years. What works and what doesn't.
Presenter: Dr. Gloria Dorsey, DVM, MPH
3:30 - 4:30PM EST - 4 Animal Shelter/Rescue/Foster/Spay/Neuter:
Confronting Pet Overproduction & Shelter Overcrowding (CLE)
Shelters in Georgia are experiencing higher levels of overcrowding than they have experienced in years. Despite interventions intended to slow the flow of animals, intakes are climbing each year as are the number of animals housed long-term or euthanized for space in municipal shelters. While there are various factors that lead the animals to be impounded including human economic and housing insecurity, the root of the problem is the overproduction of dogs and cats through inadvertent and backyard breeding. In this session, we will discuss targeted approaches to reducing these issues and beginning to reverse the tide of homeless companion animals.
Presenters: Lisa Milot, Annie & Zack Stanton Distinguished Professor of Canine Welfare Law, University of Georgia
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE 25TH ANNUAL APAW EXPO!
Please stop by the registration desk for your Certificate of Completion
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
VIRTUAL COURSES & RECORDED COURSES WILL BE
AVAILABLE ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024
and will be available to view until Feb. 1, 2025​
The Roadmap for Dealing with ESA’s (Emotioinal Support Animals) and Impact of the Supreme Court’s Decision in Loper Bright Enterprises, Inc. v. Raimondo. (POST, CLE)
Mr. Goren is an authority on the laws pertaining to Service Animals. In this course, he discusses a roadmap for how to deal with ESA Requests and how that is different from dealing with service animal requests. Mr. Goren will also teach the following:
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Understanding the fine line between an ESA and a service animal and why the distinction matters.
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Discusses the possible impact of the Supreme Court decision getting rid of Chevron deference in Loper Bright Enterprises, Inc. v. Raimondo.
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Building the capacity of businesses and individuals to deal with the various kinds of animals in an appropriate way.
Presenter: William Goren, Esq., Expert on Service Animal Law
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Veterinary Forensics in Animal Investigations (POST, CLE)
This course is essential for Veterinarians, Law Enforcement and Animal Control Officers when using veterinary forensics in investigations. Dr. Miller will be going over all the top tips.
Presenter: Dr. Doris Miller, DVM, Forensic Vet, UGA Vet School Professor
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Animal Disaster Coordination: Enhancing Preparedness and Response For Animal Welfare Professionals. (POST)
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; President - NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member
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Bridging the Gap: Addressing Law Enforcement Culture and the Need for Change in Handling Dogs to Protect Community Trust. (POST)
Mr. Thompson discusses the critical issue of law enforcement officers shooting dogs and the negative impact it has on community relationships, how the traditional law enforcement culture and lack of adequate training have led to these incidents, which often erode trust between officers and the public. He also touches on the deep emotional bond between people and their pets, the real-life consequences of dog shootings, and the need for change!
Presenter: John Thompson, Vice President, Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, Dog Bite Expert
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Understanding the Emotional Bond Between People and Their Animals (POST,
A one-hour training session for law enforcement to help them understand the emotional bond between people and their animals. Just as children are cherished members of a family, animals often hold a similar place in people's lives, providing companionship, emotional support, and a sense of responsibility. When handling situations involving pets, it's essential to recognize that people may react as if their animals are their children, and their well-being is deeply personal. By gaining insight into this dynamic, officers will be better equipped to navigate these encounters with empathy and professionalism, fostering more positive outcomes in public safety situations. I highlight and show videos of how people have wrist their lives to save their pets and even some given up their lives, including a eight-year-old girl. It's pretty impactful and emotional, but it gets to the point.
Presenter: John Thompson, Vice President, Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association
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Civil Dog Bite/Attack Cases and Trends (POST, CLE)
Attendees will learn all about dog attack/bite case, settle or go to trial, demands, who are your defendants and plaintiffs, statute of limitations, experts, witnesses, depositions, the court system, who enforces these laws, the nuances of these cases, how to properly use experts (Daubert) and subpoena the right witnesses, quarantining & rabies, appeals, investigating a dog attack case, report writing, veterinary testimony, damages, impact in the jury, damages, demand letters, restitution, protecting victims, why the criminal case matters in your civil case, which type of defendants get sympathy from the jury, factors that cause dogs to attack/bite, trends in dog bites, new laws, types of attacks, juries perception on breeds, and how you can educate your local community and train those who are part of a dog bite case (animal control, police, judges, rescue, and veterinarians)
Presenter: Claudine Wilkins, Animal Law Expert, Founder, The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW Academy.
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Criminal Dog Bite/Attack Cases and Trends (POST, CLE)
Attendees will learn to prosecute a dog attack/bite case, the court system, who enforces these laws, the nuances of these cases, how to properly use experts (Daubert) and subpoena the right witnesses, quarantining & rabies, suggested sentencing for classified dog owners, whether to plea or go to trial, appeals, investigating a dog attack case, report writing, veterinary testimony, other charges to include, obstruction, damages, impact in the jury, restitution, protecting victims, double jeopardy, why the civil dog bite statute matters in your criminals case, which type of defendants get sympathy from the jury, factors that cause dogs to attack/bite, trends in dog bites, new laws, types of attacks, juries perception on breeds, and how you can educate your local community and train those who are part of a dog bite case (animal control, police, judges, rescue, and veterinarians).
Presenter: Claudine Wilkins, Animal Law Expert, Founder, The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW Academy.
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Dog Bite Victims: What Everyone Should Know (POST, CLE)
Dog Bite incidents are on the rise. This is due to the huge overpopulation of companion animals in Georgia and the dumping of pets after Covid due to the shelters being too full and turning people away. Claudine discusses what everyone should know if you are bitten or attacked by a stray dog or a dog owned but not on a leash.
Presenter: Claudine Wilkins, Animal Law Expert, Founder, The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW Academy.
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Making Georgia A Model State For Animal Protection (POST, CLE)
Things change so fast in the Animal Protection world. Attendees will learn what needs to be done, what can be done and how it can all be accomplished to make Georgia a model state.
Presenter: Claudine Wilkins, Animal Law Expert, Founder, The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW
Academy.
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Temporary Veterinarian Licensing Bill
There is a shortage of veterinarians in Georgia. Out lying areas have to drive long distances for emergencies, routine checkups and spaying and/or neutering. Senator Kilpatrick and Claudine Wilkins discuss the new Bill that was passed and went into effect on July 1, 2024. Georgia Senate Bill 410 addresses the shortage of veterinarians available to perform spays and neuters. The bill allows veterinarians licensed in other states the opportunity to apply for a temporary license in Georgia to perform spays and neuters at any government or non-profit organization. The temporary license expires after 6 months.
Example of what SB 410 allows: A veterinarian licensed in another state can apply for a temporary license to perform spays and neuters at a government or non-profit facility for up to 6 months.
Example of what SB 410 does not allow: A veterinarian licensed in Florida cannot bring their mobile spay/neuter unit into Georgia and perform spays/neuters and leave.
Presenters: Senator Kay Kirkpatrick
Claudine Wilkins, Animal Law Expert, Founder, The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW
Academy.
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Case Study of Dog Bite Related Fatalities. (POST,
Based on reviewing of over 500 fatalities by dog bite, this is an up today findings on common causes, victim profiles and contributing factors. This is information all must know to understand why dog bite cases are becoming more common.
Presenter: James Crosby, M.S., CBCC-KA
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Intake Diversion TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return): What is it? Why is this important? and Other Need-To-Know Facts.
Intake Diversion - TNR of Community Cats, Spay & Neuter of all pets before adopting out, helping low income families fix their pets - all 3 together keep pets out of county shelters and reduce euthanasia rates. Reducing intake through TRUE reduction of numbers - not just turning away & letting them end up on streets. TNR is a program in which feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped, tattooed, and returned to the outdoors. Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane and effective approach for stray and feral cats. Now in practice for decades in the US after being proven in Europe, scientific studies show that Trap-Neuter-Return improves the lives of feral cats, improves their relationships with the people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time. Ms. Roney is on the front lines of TNR with Furkids and provides important information on how to do this correctly.
Presenter: Diviya Roney, Director of Cat Programs, Furkids
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Veterinarians & Shelters Vital Partnerships: Why creating a trusting relationship with local vets is vital to winning cases. (CLE)
Building relationships between veterinarians and shelters is integral to create a healthy animal community. This is not just to ensure healthy dogs and cats in the shelters, but also when there are instances of animal abuse, dog attacks to both people and other pets, and more. Having a strong relationship ensures proper documents and evidence when it come to prosecuting cases.
Presenter: Katrina Amaro, Division Director, Animal Welfare and Enforcement, Gwinnett County
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What Vet Students Need To Know with Animal Abuse and Animal Welfare. (CLE)
As veterinarian student it is not all healing of the sick and injured or keeping a pet up-to-date on vaccines and flea prevention. You may be called to testify on an animal abuse case or you may have an animal come into your practice that you suspect has been abused or harmed intentionally. Ms. Amaro discusses what you need to know to protect yourself, the animals and others.
Presenter: Katrina Amaro, Division Director, Animal Welfare and Enforcement, Gwinnett County
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What is Going On With Wildlife in the State of Georgia: Thins to know about wildlife and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Who owns Georgia's wild animals? You! No one owns them more. This is the fourth most biodiverse (species-rich) state. Goodwill for wildlife has never been greater, yet much policy thwarts broader public interest in, and ambition for our animals. How can citizens speak for the voiceless? Mr. Eberhart discusses what you can do and how to do it.
Presenter: John Eberhart, League of Humane Voters
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Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home.
Mr. Lindord tells about his journey on adopting Arthur after he crossed the jungle with Lindord during an Extreme Adventure Race. He explains how he helped to change laws, work with foreign governments to get Arthur to his home in Sweden.
Presenter: Mikael Lindord, Author, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Coach and Project Leader
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Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of American’s Forgotten People and Pets.
In Los Angeles's most underserved communities, Lori Weise is known as the Dog Lady, the woman who's spent decades caring for people in poverty and the animals that love them. Long before anyone else, Weise grasped that animal and human suffering are inextricably connected and created a new rescue narrative: an enduring safety net empowering pet owners and providing resources to reduce the number of pets coming into shelters. Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America's Forgotten People and Pets unites the causes of animal welfare and social justice, moving between Weise's story and that of the larger U.S. rescue movement. Through captivating storytelling and investigative reporting, Carol Mithers examines the consequences of bias within this overwhelmingly white movement, where an overemphasis on placing animals in affluent homes disregards pet owners in poverty. Weise's innovative and ultimately triumphant efforts revealed a better way.
Presenter: Carol Mithers, Author and Journalist
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"Turner and Hooch”: Addiction And The Pets Without A Voice (POST,
Pet owners grappling with drug or alcohol problems often unintentionally jeopardize their pets' well-being. One case I encountered involved an individual whose struggle with alcoholism led to him and his dog being left in a hotel while he drank himself to death. The situation resulted in severe dehydration and malnutrition for both the man and his beloved dog, who suffered greatly due to the lack of care. In other instances, addicted individuals leave inpatient drug and alcohol care claiming the need to return home to take care of their pets, only to relapse days later. These personal experiences highlight the risks of substance abuse and pet care. Hiring a professional interventionist can provide crucial support by addressing the owner's substance abuse while ensuring their pet receives the necessary care. This dual approach helps restore balance and safety for both the individual and their beloved animals.
Presenter: Katie R. Sanders NCACIP, NCFRC, Unicorn Sober Services, LLC
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“The Human - Wildlife Conflict: A voice from the front lines (POST,
Description: Since its creation in 2019, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Program has been on the front line of human-wildlife conflict. This course will cover the biology of common conflict species, how to address conflict, and important things to know about handling wildlife.
Presenter: Emily Rapach, Wildlife Biologist 2, Urban Wildlife Program, Wildlife Resources Division of the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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