FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas recently partnered with the Arkansas State Animal Control Association to educate and promote safe livestock handling and wellbeing.

The activities were organized by Hank Chaney, staff chair, along with Rebecca Thomas, extension agent for the University of Arkansas System's statewide Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Faulkner County. Farm Bureau provided the printed materials and Travis Justice, with Arkansas Farm Bureau, was also on hand to help. 

U of A faculty members Jason Cater, Bryan Kutz, Mark Russell, Tom Troxel and Michael Looper presented on various topics including signs of sickness, and behavior and handling of several species of animals. To access information retention, pre- and post-presentation surveys were administered to the officers.

Troxel presented the officers with information on the healthy and unhealthy signs of beef cattle and the importance of body condition.

“I found the animal control officers to be very attentive and observant,” he said. 

“I was very happy with the interest they showed in wanting to learn more about the equine part of the program,” Russell said, adding that as they moved through the equine portion several officers offered personal experiences.

The faculty also assembled a book of guidelines to serve the animal control officers and law enforcement officials when addressing neglect and cruelty to livestock. It provides recommended minimum standards of care.