Animal officers move ahead

TWO Greater Dandenong animal control officers have barked up the right tree of career advancement.
The Bureau of Animal Welfare has recognised the efforts of the council’s Nick Haviardis and Richard Asquith by awarding them with scholarships to undertake their Certificate IV in Animal Management.
The certificate, once achieved, will qualify the two officers beyond many of their peers by making them two of the most highly skilled control officers in the state.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown praised the duo for their efforts in animal control around the city.
“Animal welfare and domestic animal management is a sensitive and complex field,” he said.
“The issue is a priority for both local and state governments.
“It is commendable that two of our own officers have been chosen to undertake further study to be able to implement new initiatives and change to such an important area.”
The Bureau of Animal Welfare is located in the Agriculture Quality Assurance branch of the Department of Primary Industries.
It was formed to be the focal point for liaison, coordination and cooperation in animal welfare matters between the state and Commonwealth governments, local government and animal welfare agencies in Victoria.