2026
Conference
Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Daniel Ettinger began his animal welfare career in 2009 as a volunteer at a wolf sanctuary and an animal shelter, where he discovered his passion for helping people help animals. He soon became an Animal Control Officer (ACO), gaining hands-on experience in cruelty and neglect investigations. As a Field Training Officer (FTO), Daniel mentored new ACOs, helping them build confidence and skills in the field.
After several years, he advanced to animal control supervisor, focusing on staff development, managing complex cases, and overseeing daily operations. Now serving as a Field Services Manager, Daniel leads a dedicated team committed to public safety and animal welfare. He has worked in nonprofit organizations, municipal shelters, and police departments, giving him a well-rounded perspective on animal welfare. He also hosts Keep it Humane: The Podcast, which provides valuable insights into animal control, shelters, and the people working in the industry. The podcast offers resources and perspectives for animal welfare professionals and anyone interested in the field. Through mentorship and training, he is dedicated to help shaping the next generation of leaders in animal welfare.
Recognized internationally, Daniel is a sought-after public speaker, challenging stereotypes in the animal welfare field. Through his innovative talks he advocates for proactive and compassionate approaches to animal control, reshaping perceptions and fostering positive change.
Daniel Ettinger
Podcast Host: Keep It Humane!
Retired ACO
DUSTIN DUTTON
Centre, AL Shelter Director
Animal Cruelty Investigator
Instructor - Humane Law Training
I began my law enforcement career in Centre, Alabama in 2009, as a corrections officer at the county jail. Then in 2011 I began my animal welfare career as the county animal control officer.
I was heavily influenced in my decision because of my love of animals, and maybe because I was tired of those long 12-hour shifts. When I began my animal welfare career, the training I first received was a truck, set of keys, trap and a control pole.
I wasn’t really shown how to properly use any of them. After finding out about NACA, I started attending as many classes as possible.
My goal was to become the best animal control officer that I could be, and maybe one day an instructor. I was heavily influenced by my Baptist Preacher of Dad, Jerry Clower, Justin Wilson, Johnny Mays, Jeff Clemons, Kathy Strouse, Mindy Gilbert and Kevin Hearst, just to name a few. I’ve worked many cruelty cases in my county and assisted in many in surrounding states.
My next chapter in my animal welfare career came in 2015, when Kevin Hearst asked me to assist in teaching a state law class in Alabama. After my first day on stage, I was hooked.
My next chapter came in 2017 when I was given the honor of becoming the Shelter Manager of the newly opened county animal shelter. I’m recognized as an animal cruelty investigator and nationally certified animal control officer. Since 2015, I have been recognized as an instructor for Humane Law In-Service Training, formerly known as Big Time Speakers. I’ve had the honor of speaking at multiple training sessions, and conferences, throughout various states.
She serves as a liaison and supports education and outreach for emergency management, law enforcement, and homeland security duties for the food and agriculture sector. Vanessa is the Georgia representative for the Southern Animal and Agriculture Disaster Response Alliance (SAADRA) and served as the Past Board President and a current Board Member for the National Alliance of State Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP) and the Heritage Emergency Response Alliance (HERA). Venessa is the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 11 Coordinator for the state of Georgia and coordinates response activities at the State Operations Center (SOC) for ESF 11 during activations, chairs ESF 11 planning, coordination, and exercise support activities, and coordinates ESF 11 recovery endeavors. She is the Training & Exercise Coordinator for the Department where she works collaboratively with local, state, federal and private sector partners to plan, train and implement exercises related to food and agriculture and public health. She was the VISTA FORGE-ATL FSE Unified Commander (UC) and chaired the Planning Committee for animal decontamination operations and routinely serves as a subject matter expert for animal decontamination training and exercises nationwide. She served as the Food Defense UC for Super Bowl LIII and 2025 College Football in Atlanta. She has served on the AVMA CDEI Committee and the FDA FSMA Intentional Adulteration Workgroup as a state representative.
Venessa Sims
MEP, GA-CEM
Director of Outreach for Law Enforcement and Emergency Management at GA Dept of Ag
Jennifer Dunn
Deputy Assist Commissioner, GA Dept of Ag
of Behavior Health and Development
LMFT
Jennifer is currently serving as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Jennifer is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she is a trainer for Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) to assist with Suicide Prevention. In her current role, Jennifer is helping advance the vision and mission of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities in the 89 counties of Southern Georgia with a focus on rural communities. She also is the Chair for the Georgia Department of Community Health's State office of Rural Health and their Georgia Farmworker Healthcare Program. She has a passion for all things rural, lives on a timber farm and enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 sons and 5 dogs.
Jenn Cherry is the Senior Manager, Animal Rescue Technician for the ASPCA, with a 22-year career dedicated to the front lines of animal welfare. A specialist in high-stakes field operations, Jenn holds advanced certifications in Swiftwater Rescue, Technical Rope Rescue, and Wildfire Rescue, providing her with a unique tactical perspective on field and disaster response. Beyond her technical field skills, Jenn is a certified instructor in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), reflecting her commitment to the safety and mental resilience of response teams. In her four years with the ASPCA, she has been instrumental in navigating complex field operations for disasters, large-scale cruelty, neglect, and animal fighting cases.
Jenn Cherry
Senior Manager, Animal Rescue Technician
National Field & Disaster Response
Chad Foley
Comedian
Former Cruelty Investigator
Animal Rescue Supporter
Clay Foley loves being a comedian.
Whether he's poking fun at fellow vegans or blithely recounting his decade as an animal cruelty investigator, Clay's eyes say, "Can you believe we're doing this?" That gratitude - alongside clever punchlines, inventive props, and a compelling stage presence - has earned Clay a spot among the country's most interesting comics.
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Comedy to the Rescue is the culmination of Clay's years working in both animal welfare and stand-up comedy. The tour spans the country raising money for all types of animal charities.
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Clay lives in Illinois with his wife and an ever-growing cast of rescued pets.
When people ask about ProVetLogic we note that our mission is to make the animal world a better place through education and through the introduction of products that are designed to create a safer and healthier environment for animals and their care providers.
Why ProVetLogic
The Professional Animal Care Provider is facing many new challenges today, as it relates to facility maintenance, disease prevention, odor control and the environment. Training new hire personnel, as well as providing continuing education to existing staff can be very costly and time consuming. The ProVetLogic Educational Support Team has developed an easy-to-follow educational series with a focus on “Disease Prevention & Odor Control in the Professional Animal Care Environment.
Larry Shivley
ProVet Logic
Director of Sales/Marketing
SACA Board Members
SACA Board Members will be presenting the various Basics of ACO Enforcement,
to assist the newest of Officers in our profession.
Also will be hosting a round-table discussion during our 2026 Conference!
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Do you have interest in being a Speaker or Presenter here for Southeastern Animal Control Association. Please click this link or Scan this QR Code to submit a proposal to our Board.
Speaker Proposal/Presenter
https://forms.office.com/g/L9gU7fw41f
