William Braden and Mark Pankey recently completed the week-long National Animal Control Association Level II Animal Control Officer training in Raleigh.  Their successful completion has earned them national certification as Animal Control Officers.

Braden is employed by Richmond County Animal Control. Pankey is the assistant shelter manager for the Humane Society of Richmond County and is the commissioner-appointed Animal Cruelty Investigator for Richmond County.

Their training was made possible through designated donations for education to the Humane Society of Richmond County.

The National Animal Control Association (NACA) was formed in 1978 for the express purpose of assisting its members to perform their duties in a professional manner. NACA believes its most important contribution towards solving our domestic animal problems is to make available to Animal Control agencies and personnel a comprehensive training program.

The National Animal Control Association Training Academy was designed to be delivered in two levels. Upon successful completion of Level I and Level II, the National Animal Control Association shall certify each participant and issue the appropriate documentation and pin. Successful completion of Level I and Level II shall include a minimum passing score of 80 percent on written examinations and mandatory attendance during all training.