Animal rescue experts planning workshop later this month

Experts in animal rescue and response are planning a workshop on the topics to take place later this month.

The workshop, titled "First Response for Animals," is scheduled to take place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Frontenac Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 100 S. Cherokee, Frontenac. The event is designed to inform people of the proper approach to an animal that may be in a situation where it is unable to care for itself. Speakers will provide information about domestic animals and wildlife.

A second goal of the workshop is to bring people together who are concerned about the welfare of both wild and domestic animals, and to initiate a chapter of the Kansas State Animal Response Teams in Southeast Kansas, according to a news release.

The following speakers are scheduled to present information during the event:

* Delia Lister, the director of nature research at Pittsburg State University who will discuss raptors.

* Long-time wildlife rehabilitator Sally Imhof who will talk about song birds.

* Carol Hines, a veterinarian from Chanute who will talk about fawns and other wildlife first response.

* Neil Willard, a veterinarian from Girard who will talk about domestic animals and signs that the animal may need assistance, and immediate first aid for farm animals.

* Christen Skaer, a veterinarian from Wichita who will talk about KS SART county animal response teams and personal preparedness. Members of KS SART have assisted people and animals after the floods in Coffeyville and the tornado in western Kansas two years ago.

* Jim Bussone, a conservation officer for Southeast Kansas. Bussone will discuss his perspective of what first response should be to wildlife and laws that may govern responses to wildlife in need of assistance.

Beverages will be provided at the event; attendees are asked to bring one snack item. Reservations for the workshop are due by Wednesday, Feb. 10. For more information, contact Imhof at (620) 764-3123 or by e-mail at saimhof@ckt.net, or Angie Brooks at 764-3461, or by e-mail at angieandsam@ckt.net.