Responding to Large Scale Animal Cruelty Cases: Lessons from the Trenches

Speaker: Deborah Johnson, DVM, CAWA, Senior Director of Veterinary Services, ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center

September 15

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Zoom

Animal shelters are frequently involved in large-scale cruelty response efforts. This webinar will explore the shelter's responsibilities in these complex situations, from intake and evidence documentation, to medical and behavorial care, to housing and placement. You will learn how to work alongside law enforcement and national partners, manage sudden population surges, and support staff wellness during emotionally challenging cases. Real-world case studies will provide insight into effective planning, resources coordination and community communication.

ABOUT DR. JOHNSON

Dr. Debbie Johnson is the Senior Director of Veterinary Services at the Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio, a 100,00- square foot shelter operated by the ASPCA to care for animals rescued in ASPCA cruelty cases and disaster responses throughout the US. Dr. Johnson graduated from The Ohio State University and has been working in shelter medicine since 2002, becoming a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator in 2012. She has served in both medical director and director of operations roles for multiple shelters and as a veterinary consultant for the PetSmart Charities national transport program. Prior to joining the ASPCA, Dr. Johnson developed the ShelterPALS program which provided low-cost care for local nonprofits and rescues while generating revenue to help support shelter programs. In 2021 she oversaw the development of the first non-profit, full-service access to care clinic in northwest Ohio, securing over $1.1 million in grant funding to support this project.

REGISTRATION FEE

• $0 for Ohio Fed Webinar Bundle participants with code
• $25 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 1-5 program participants 

• $35 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 6-10 program participants 

• $45 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 11+ program participants 

• $50 per organization for non-members 

Ohio Animal Welfare Federation is an approved provider of content which enhances professional competence and aligns with the 5 domains of the CAWA Exam specifications. Every hour of training equals 1 CE towards CAWA Recertification.

This webinar has also been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located here.