BJC Animal Control Services has a longstanding commitment to responsible citizenship and to supporting the community where we operate.
Through the BJC Community Outreach Program, we strive to improve the quality of life for our customers, associates and neighbors, and ultimately, the
community we serve.
The primary goal of this program of the BJC Community Outreach Program is to raise awareness among the community to the need for humane treatment of animals and how to be a responsible pet owner.
Pictured at left: BJC
Animal Control Officer Shellie R. Kurtz demonstrates the use of
the new state-of-the-art animal transport trailer. The
trailer, designed to hold up to 40 animals, is an important tool
for community outreach adoption programs. It allows BJC to
take adoptable pets into the community where residents can adopt
on site. The trailer can also be used to transport animals
away from the evacuation area in times of emergency.
ATTENTION
TEACHERS! To book an educational program for
your classroom or to obtain pet care and safety
materials for your own use in the classroom, contact BJC
Animal Control Services at (205) 591-6522
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The BJC Community Outreach Program is designed in two major components:
1. Education – Targeting school children and the adult general public.
This is done through presentations by speakers and materials distributed in the classroom or at public events.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
-
Bite Prevention
- How to avoid getting bit
- Recognizing aggressive behavior
- Stray animals
- Owned animals
- Benefits of Spay/Neuter
- Happier pets
- No unwanted litters
- Territorial marking
- Aggression
- Animal Control Laws & Ordinances –
What is animal control?
-
Animal control equipment & basic use
- A review of laws & ordinances
- Selecting a Pet & Proper Pet Care-
- How to select a pet – what breed is best for you
- Food, water & nutrition
- Tethering
- Housing
- Cruelty
- Zooneses or Diseases & Prevention –
- Rabies control & ordinances
- Common diseases – Parvo, Distemper
Instruction to be conducted by:
- Volunteers from BJC Animal Control
- Animal Control Education Officers
- Classroom teachers
Methods of Instruction:
- Classroom lecture
- Public speaking at events
- Interactive media – CD or Video
- Distribution of printed materials such as workbooks, newsletters or pamphlets
- Tours of BJC shelter – both by schools and community organizations
2. Outreach – A community based component which requires visiting various
neighborhoods, participating in career fairs, giving facility tours and volunteer recruitment.
The educational materials outlined here are some of the offerings available to the community through BJC Animal Control. These programs are most successful when presentations accompany the video. All presentations made by BJC staff require advance booking, Some materials have been designed for use in the classroom by volunteers and teachers. Call BJC Animal Control for questions regarding all BJC Education Programs.
ANIMALS & PEOPLE
ASPCA Pet Check
This video features sixteen pet care segments from the ASPCA Pet Check series. Hosted by animal behavior expert Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., each informational segment is 3 minutes long and focuses on one aspect of companion animal care: Selecting the right dog; selecting the right cat; dog training; bite prevention; kitty toys; fun and games; pet fix; pet loss; pet health check; grooming; indoor safety tips; outdoor safety tips; hot weather tips; cold weather tips; pet travel and pet nutrition. Video: 48 min.
Recommended for all ages
Paws, Claws, Feathers & Fins
A great kids video guide to pets. Kids talk about how they care for their different kinds of pets. A lively videowhich will keep kid’s attention from all ages. Presentation: 45-60 min. Video: 30 min.
A New Friend for Life
This video offers young viewers important information about welcoming a new pet into the family. It shows the strong bond between animals and people, emphasizing owner responsibility. Presentation: 30-40 min. Video: 15 min.Grades 3 and up
ANIMAL SAFETY
Dogs, Cats & Kids – Learning How to Be Safe with Animals
This video teaches children how to “READ” animals, their body language and warning signs, as well as respect for animals. Presentation: 45-60 min. Video: 30 min.
Recommended for 3rd grade up
Bow-Wow “Ow”
This 8 minute video mixes animation and real-life setting to hold younger children’s attention as they learn the basics of staying safe around dogs. Includes information on how dogs communicate and explains proper, safe behavior for 11 situations that commonly lead to dog bites. Ideal for school based programs. Presentation: 50 min. Video: 8 min. Recommended for children 4 to 9.
Kind News & Kind Teacher
The National Association for Humane & Environmental Education (NAHEE), an Education Division of the Humane Society of the U.S designed these materials for classroom use by teachers.
Kind News is a colorful, four-page classroom newspaper read by more than one million elementary-school students nationwide. Through puzzles, projects and fascinating articles, the newspaper teaches children the value of kindness toward people, animals and the environment. This newsletter is available in three levels: Primary (grades K-2), Jr. (grades 3-4), and Sr. (grades 5-6). A teacher’s guide is available with each issue.
Kind Teacher is an annual resource book for teachers. It includes reproducible worksheets, a colorful poster, and KIND ID cards for students. Contact BJC Animal Control Services about Kind News and Kind Teacher at (205) 591-6522 or call to book an Animal Control Officer as a classroom speaker.
ABUSE & NEGLECT
Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence: Make the Connection
This multi-media PowerPoint presentation addresses the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence. CD Rom: 5 min. Presentation: 50 min.Grades 9 to adult
Contest with No Winners: Dog Fighting in America
This video examines dog fighting in the United States and the social problems that perpetuate this blood sport. Caution: Shows graphic footage and victims of cruelty.
Video: 15 min. Grades 9 and up
In the Line of Duty
This video features the ever-growing law enforcement issues dealing with pit bulls and dog fighting. It is specifically aimed at training animal control officers and law enforcement and is not intended for children or general audiences. Presentation: 15 min. Video: 42 min.
The Power of Compassion
Using dramatic footage of euthanasia, abuse/neglect and abandoned animals, this video stresses the immediacy of the crisis surrounding companion animals. Aimed specifically at teenagers, this video strikes at both intellectual and emotional chords to make positive decisions and actions in their lives, and above all, emphasizing compassion towards all living creatures. Presentation: 45-60 min. Video: 22 min. Recommended for middle school and up
