Cochise County animal welfare enthusiasts and professionals recently received a boost of knowledge and guidance through a virtual presentation by Dr. Sara Pizano, a noted figure under Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge (MMPC). On the evening of August 26, Dr. Pizano shared findings from a comprehensive study aimed at improving the state of local animal welfare during a public Zoom meeting. The initiative is a joint effort by several organizations, namely Team Shelter USA, the University of Florida, the University of California, and the Open Door Veterinary Collective.
The research conducted was no cursory affair; the MMPC team conducted an extensive evaluation to thoroughly understand the landscape. Before setting foot on site, they scrutinized Arizona state laws, legislative changes, and local policies, and dug through historical data trends. The digital footprint through the lens of websites and social media was also placed under review. To further ground their findings, the MMPC team consulted with local leaders and familiarized themselves with area stakeholders and programs, as per Cochise County's official announcement.
The benefit for area animal welfare has been further extended to the City of Douglas, which received a similar pro bono consult from Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge. This package includes an invaluable year of mentorship, presumably to ensure that the gleaned insights and best practices are effectively implemented over a longer period, setting the foundation for sustained animal welfare progress.
