Training. Networking. Structure. Resources. These are just a few of the several things that the Animal Cruelty and Animal Control Field are lacking in the state of Indiana. Hence, a new organization has surfaced, Hoosier Animal Law Officer. Their tag line says it all: “HALO is dedicated to developing a structured and humane field of professionals.”
Hamilton County Deputy Doug Sanford (left) and Boone County Deputy Hannah Fisher co-founded the organization Hoosier Animal Law Enforcement. (Photo provided)
HALO was co-founded in 2017 by Boone County Deputy Hannah Fisher and Hamilton County Deputy Doug Sanford, and they have hit the ground running. HALO has an executive board, is incorporated under the Indiana Secretary of State, and will be registered as a non-profit organization within the next few months.
“I’ve been in humane law enforcement in some capacity for the last 15 years”, said Sanford, HALO’s Vice President. “After I transferred here from Michigan, I quickly realized the lack of consistency in tools and training across the state. It’s a gap that needs to be filled in order to provide professional, consistent response and assistance to the people and animals we serve. The idea of a state-wide organization to provide this training seemed more reasonable and cost effective than utilizing national organizations that don’t provide specific training on local and state laws.”
Fisher, HALO’s President, agrees: “I am relatively new to this profession, and as my current position was being created, it was immediately apparent that Indiana is behind the curve. There is no consistency in how the job is done, there is minimal in-state training available, and there is very little connectivity between the various persons doing the job. That needs to change; HALO can implement those changes.”
HALO is comprised of animal control officers, humane law enforcement officers, animal cruelty investigators and other persons in the Animal Cruelty and Animal Control Field in the state of Indiana who wish to further their professional abilities, learn more about the profession, network with peers and lobby for better legislation within the state. HALO also has a membership tier for persons who work in animal rescuing, rehabbing and sheltering due to the key role those persons place in the Animal Cruelty and Animal Control Field.
HALO will hold a call-out event on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St., for persons interested in learning more about becoming a member. There will be guest speakers, equipment demos, giveaways, and resources. It is free to attend, and all are welcome. Membership applications will also be available.
More information can be found at hoosieranimallawofficers.org, on the public Facebook page, or the closed Facebook group.