Humane officer named
Animals of Butler County once again have an advocate.
Diana Joy Waller, president and co-founder of One Voice for the Abused Domestic Animals (OVADA), announced that Jessica Farren of Evans City has been named the county's new humane police officer.
Farren has been a veterinary technician for a decade in both private veterinary practices and animal shelters.
She was an animal control officer for the Beaver County Humane Society in 2017 and 2018, and assisted in humane investigations and animal welfare checks in Butler County during that time with the former humane police officer.
She works at a veterinary hospital in Robinson Township, Allegheny County.
“I have wanted to become a humane officer for a very long time, and I have been working toward that for the last 10-plus years,” Farren said.
Waller said Farren completed training for the position in 2016.
“I think when you do that, it's something you really want to do,” Waller said.
Farren must attend the training again at the Academy for Animal Care and Control in Hershey because state animal regulations have changed since 2016, Waller said.
Farren's training will start in April. Once she is certified, a date for her swearing in at Butler County Common Pleas Court will be scheduled.
Waller also was impressed with Farren's level of expertise with animals.
“She has a lot of animal experience,” Waller said.
The county humane police officer position is voluntary, although OVADA will reimburse Farren for mileage and expenses.
The officer is responsible for investigating any reports or cases of domestic animal abuse and neglect, Waller said.
Farren said she plans to expand the job description to include education and working with animal owners in a positive manner.
“I am really excited to work with the Butler County communities to help improve the lives of our furry friends, while helping pet owners be the best parents they can be,” Farren said.
Farren is the pet parent of two dogs, four cats, a green-cheeked conure bird (a type of parrot) and a ball python snake.
She hopes to begin working in early summer.
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