The Animal Justice Coalition’s mission is to create a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and individuals who advocate for educational opportunities, cohesive investigation/prosecution, and furthering other issues that impact animal neglect and cruelty within our community.

The Animal Justice Coalition began in March of 2011. It was started by a group of concerned law enforcement officers who recognized the need for law enforcement officers, animal control officers, prosecutors, veterinarians, other animal welfare professionals and the citizens of Sedgwick County to come together to combat animal cruelty, neglect, and organized animal fighting. Coalition members meet monthly to discuss training opportunities, current trends, adjudicated cases, and build partnerships so we can better help the animals of Sedgwick County.

The Coalition is made up of representatives from the following agencies:

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Wichita Police Department

Sedgwick County Animal Control

Wichita Animal Control

Hope in the Valley Equine Rescue and Sanctuary

Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office

City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office

Sedgwick County Attorney’s Office

Local veterinarians, other law enforcement agencies & animal control departments in Sedgwick County are also included.

We recognize the importance of having representatives from all of these agencies because each is able to offer unique perspectives and provide important information on how to streamline the criminal justice system for these types of cases.

Our primary goal is to provide quality low cost training for those who are involved in investigating cruelty, neglect, or organized fighting cases. We also want to provide educational opportunities for the public so that they are informed about what is happening in their community regarding animal-related cases. Through strong teamwork, proper preparation, training and networking, we hope to make a positive impact for Sedgwick County animals and to ensure that their abusers are prosecuted appropriately.

Dep. Joe Page taught 135 youth at the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office LAW Camp about responsible pet ownership. He, along with volunteers from the Kansas Humane Society discussed the basic needs all pets must have in order to live productive lives. The Kansas Humane Society volunteers brought therapy dogs for the youth so they could interact with them. Dep. Page provided instruction on animal abuse and neglect and what should be done if it is seen.

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