May 15, 2007

Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2007

Present: Joan Casey, John Cohen, Kathleen Schoen, Denise Mikita, Becky Richey, Mary Toornman, Cheryl Law

Trainings:
Grand Junction

Montrose

Legislation:
HB1235 - Mary Toornman reported it was confirmed by the House and signed into law by Governor Ritter. Definition clarified as “property” and used in the context of protection orders but at the judges discretion.  Agriculutural community strongly opposed.  Database being formed to add convicted animal abusers and list offenders required to submit DNA samples.

Other Business:
Mary and Kath discussed their meeting with AH.  Plans to move forward together but focus on Denver due to CACP’s trainings.

Suggestion that Committee members review NCCCA’s procedural manual for animal control officers.

Joan mentioned with HB1235 confirmed, vet training is needed. Need to research possible funders that will market a checklist and/or /brochures for veterinarians.

Discussion for checklist items included signs of abuse, documenting evidence, providing emergency care, identifying condition of the animal, defining the environment, witnesses statements, weapons at the scene of the crime, and ways to maintain the chain of evidence. 

Assignments were handed out to committee members to research and put together practical checklists for multidisciplinary groups to use such as, law enforcement officers, teachers, veterinarians, court personnel, clergy, and social workers.

Next Meeting: 
Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 12:00 – 1:30 pm, Terrace Conference Room.