Animal
Control Officer Buckmaster
Sitka Police Department
ACO Buckmaster Update:
ACO Buckmaster has recently gone to Anchorage to attend the 2004 Alaska Animal Control Association Annual Conference and Training. Sue Sternberg, an expert on dog aggression, taught "Temperament Testing of Shelter Dogs". ACO Buckmaster was acting President at the conference.
Pictured: Robert Reder Pacific Northwest Regional Office-HSUS, Sue Sternberg (speaker) Rondout Valley Kennels New York, ACO Nancy Buckmaster acting President AACA- Sitka , Gary Watson- Bethel (new member), and Mary Ann Clark Secretary AACA Soldotna
December 3, 2004 ACO Buckmaster completed certification in "National Cruelty Investigations" in Sacramento, California through the HSUS in conjunction with the Law Enforcement Training Institute School of Law-University of Missouri-Columbia. A $1,500.00 grant from the ASPCA's National Shelter Outreach Department funded the training.
Sitka Animal Control
Nancy Buckmaster, the Animal Control Officer (ACO), enforces all City and State animal control ordinances and statutes. Nancy is also the Director of the Sitka Animal Shelter and is the citified Euthanasia Technician.
Each year, about 500 animals are impounded, of which half are subsequently adopted. Although there are 150-200 animals euthanized annually, this number is decreasing with education on the benefits of spay/neuter.
The ACO is active in the community, teaching 500-600 preschool through elementary students how to be responsible pet owners, how to avoid dog bites and the importance of respecting all living things. Also, animals from the shelter are taken each month to visit with residents living at Sitka Community Hospital long-term care facility. These animals are used as therapy and are very popular with the residents and staff. A first aid class is also offered to dog owners since many dogs are taken hunting, fishing and camping.
There are over 30 invaluable volunteers at the shelter. These volunteers contribute many hours to the shelter by cleaning kennels, walking the animals, and feeding and watering them. A TLC (Tender, Loving Care) program is available for 8-15 year old children. These kids play and help socialize the animals. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Nancy at the Sitka Police Department or e-mail her at nancy@cityofsitka.com.
Nancy Buckmaster
Officer Nancy Buckmaster has been the ACO in Sitka since January 1996. She was certified at the University of Missouri/Columbia Law Enforcement Training Institute through the National Animal Control Association. In January 1997, she was certified as an "Animal Euthanasia Technician", through the National Animal Control Association; Maricopa County Humane Association, AZ. In 1999, Nancy completed a "Volunteer Manager Workshop" through the American Human Association in Englewood Colorado. She also attended the 1999 American Humane Association "National Training Conference" in Minneapolis Minnesota. In 2001, Officer Buckmaster attended the "National Animal Control Association Training Conference" in Daytona Beach Florida. In 2002, she attended a "Cat Behavior in the Animal Shelter" workshop in Pasadena CA., and completed a "Crime Scene Investigation/Courtroom Procedures" class through the Juneau Police Department at the 2002 Alaska Animal Control Annual Conference. In 2003 Officer Buckmaster attended the Alaska Animal Control Association Annual Training Conference in Seward Alaska, where she was elected Vice President of the Alaska Animal Control Association. In her off hours she enjoys camping, fishing and is an avid gardener; she loves to read. Nancy is owned by a Terrier/Dachshund mix breed "Pound Puppy" named Radar, adopted from the Sitka Animal Shelter.