December 18, 2009

Nonprofit group dedicates program to former staff member Sheila Lampert and grandson Loggan Sinclair

(PHOENIX) – The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) unveiled its Next of Kin Assistance (NOKA) program, designed to aid animals at a crime scene when their owner has become a victim of a violent crime.

“Across the Valley law enforcement officials need support when investigating a violent crime scene and animals are on the property,” said Shannon Valenzuela, AHS director of operations. “Having a designated animal agency to respond to these violent crime scenes will benefit not only the pets who have lost their family, but also the first responders trying to process the scene.”

NOKA will allow the next of kin ample time to address immediate concerns with the family, giving peace of mind that the victim’s pets are being cared for. Law enforcement officials will notify AHS’ Field Department when they are needed at a crime scene, who will then transport the animal(s) to the Second Chance Animal Hospital™. Once at Second Chance, the animal(s) will be examined and treated as deemed necessary. AHS will hold the animal(s) for a minimum of seven days, although length of stay will be determined by the requirements needed for each case. During the holding period, the next of kin can claim ownership of the animal(s) or may choose to relinquish ownership to AHS. For animals too large for AHS to board (i.e. horses, goats, etc.) the Field Department will make arrangements to care for them on the property.

In a private ceremony yesterday morning, AHS dedicated the NOKA program to the memory of beloved staff member, Sheila Lampert and her grandson, Loggan Sinclair, who were victims of a violent crime last summer.

“We were stunned by the sudden and tragic loss of Sheila and Loggan,” said Valenzuela, “Sheila’s compassion and dedication to caring for all animals made her such a valuable member of the AHS family. Her motto of ‘love them all’ still serves as a source of inspiration to those who knew her and it is with that spirit in mind that we chose to dedicate the NOKA program in honor of Sheila and Loggan.”

For more information about the NOKA program, please call 602.997.7586 ext. 2058. If you would like to support programs like NOKA and the many others offered by the Arizona Humane Society with a donation, please visit www.azhumane.org. or call 602.997.7586, option 5.

About Arizona Humane Society Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.

Contacts
Kimberly Searles, Communication Manager
Kelsea Vescova, Director of Marketing and Development