By-Laws

Constitution & By-Laws of the

Connecticut Animal Care & Control Officers Alliance

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this non-profit organization shall be the "Connecticut Animal Care & Control Officers Alliance LLC ", hereinafter referred to as the "CACCOA."

ARTICLE 2: MISSION

CACCOA actively pursues the building of bridges, networks and partnerships between animal care & control professionals, law enforcement departments, lawmakers, humane welfare groups, businesses and other animal care & control organizations. We endeavor to improve, promote and further advance the animal care & control profession by advancing the education and training of Connecticut’s animal care & control officers as well as initiating and supporting legislation for the protection of the public, animals and animal care & control officer. We provide and a united voice for animal care & control professionals. We strive to educate and engage the public about laws, humane animal care and the animal care & control profession.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Any person, business or non-profit organization, which is actively working in, affiliated with or in support of animal care & control work, may be granted membership in CACCOA providing all of the following qualifications are met.

a) Payment of current dues to the Treasurer.

b) Qualifications under the requirements of one of the types of membership as described herein.

c) Valid contact information is provided and kept up to date.

d) Adherence to the Constitution and By-Laws of the CACCOA.

Section 2: CACCOA shall be open for membership at any time, and membership shall be available to any person without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, or gender.

Section 3: Types of membership:

1. Regular Members - Any person who shall adhere to the purpose of the CACCOA and who shall be employed by any CT municipality, town or city department handling Animal Control work, whether they be part time or full time, or any State Animal Control Officer or retirees with at least 10 years’ experience in animal control. Regular members shall be afforded all privileges of CACCOA as may be prescribed in the Constitution and By-Laws. Regular Members may attend member meetings.

2. Business or Non-Profit Organization - Any business or non-profit organization with approval of the executive board. Organization members shall have all the privileges of the CACCOA as may be prescribed in the Constitution and By-Laws. Business or Non-Profit Organization members do not have voting powers or hold office. Business or Non-Profit Organization Members may attend member meetings. Business or Non-Profit members will be listed on the CACCOA website as a partner.

3. Honorary Members - Persons upon whom the CACCOA may wish to confer special distinction in recognition of outstanding service to the CACCOA and or animal care & control programs. Nomination to honorary member status shall be made to the CACCOA by any member to the Board of Directors. A majority board vote will decide honorary membership. Honorary members do not have voting powers, hold office, or represent the CACCOA in any manner. Honorary Members may attend meetings. An honorary member shall be exempt from payment of all dues.

4. Support Members - Any individual who is not currently employed in an animal care & control or animal-related field but supports the goals and purpose of this organization. These members will be afforded all privileges of the CACCOA as may be prescribed in the Constitution and By-Laws. Support members do not have voting powers or hold office. Support Members may attend meetings.

Section 4: Membership Dues:

1. Regular: $50.00 per year

2. Business or Non-Profit: $200.00 per year

3. Honorary: No dues

4. Support: $25.00 per year

Section 5: Removal. Any member may be removed for violation of the code of conduct from the Association by a majority vote of the regular membership present at any regular or special meeting called for the purpose.

Section 6: Annual dues of regular, business or non-profit and support members are due and payable within 30 days after the start of a new fiscal year, and if such dues are not paid within this time period, such membership shall cease. Memberships expire at the end of each fiscal year regardless of when payment was made. Payment shall be made digitally through CACCOA’s website.

Section 7: All regular, honorary or support members shall receive a membership card, pin, decal and 20% off any training classes. Business or Non-Profit Organizations will be posted on CACCOA website as a partner.

ARTICLE 4: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of CACCOA shall begin on July 1 and end on the following June 30.

ARTICLE 5: MEETING OF MEMBERS

Section 1: Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the membership shall be held bi-monthly. Notification of the meeting shall be at least five days in advance. Meetings may be held in person and/or via video conferencing.

Section 2: Special Meetings: Regular or special meetings shall be called at any time by the secretary or other designated Board member if directed by the Board of Directors to do so. Notification of such meeting shall be at least seven days in advance. Meetings may be held in person and/or via video conferencing.

Section 3: Quorum: Five percent of the regular members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of, but lesser numbers shall have the power to adjourn to a specified later date.

Section 4: Rules: Any question concerning parliamentary procedure at meetings of CACCOA shall be determined by reference to the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Organization Meeting: A meeting of the Board shall be held following the Election of officers within 10 days of the election. Meetings may be held in person and/or via video conferencing.

Section 2: Board Meetings: A meeting of the board shall be held once per month at the direction of the President. Meetings may be held in person and/or via video conferencing.

Section 3: Quorum: Seventy-five percent (75%) of the Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

ARTICLE 7: OFFICERS

Section 1: Titles

The officers of CACCOA shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Legislative and Content Creator.

The initial board members shall be the known as founding members for a term of four (4) years. Following the founding officer’s term of four (4) years, officers shall be elected by the membership at the first meeting of the fiscal year in which their term expires. A simple majority of those members present in person or via video conferencing and voting shall be decisive. Where there is only one (1) candidate for office, elections may be by voice vote. Officers will serve for a period of two (2) years and thereafter until their successors are elected. Voting may be done in person and via video conferencing combined. Only regular members may hold office.

Section 2: Nominations

Qualified candidates will be sought for officer elections. Notice of nomination submissions will be announced and accepted by a board member.

Applicants for such vacancies shall be members in good standing at the time of nomination. Notification of all names submitted for nomination shall be at least 15 days prior to the meeting date. A member shall run for one board position only.

Section 3: President

The President shall preside at all meetings of the; shall have power to act on behalf of the CACCOA; shall act as spokesperson for the CACCOA; shall be an ex officio member of all committees; shall act as liaison between the CACCOA and all other organizations; shall delegate such duties to other members and officers of the CACCOA as necessary unless otherwise provided herein; and shall perform such additional duties as may be incident to the office of President or as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

Section 4: Vice President

The Vice President shall act as an assistant to the President and in the absence or disability of the President performs the duties of the President and act in his or her stead. The Vice President shall research, apply for and follow-up on requirements of grants that pertains to the mission of CACCOA.

Section 5: Secretary

1. Shall maintain a file of correspondence to the President and CACCOA; shall furnish literature to individuals as necessary; shall issue notices for all meetings and training opportunities through email and on CACCOA social media private group page and shall perform such duties to the office as the Board of Directors may designate.

2. Shall set up in person or video conferencing meetings as necessary, keep the minutes, in written or digital recording form, the proceedings of all meetings of the Association; shall maintain a permanent record of such proceedings; shall keep a record of the attendance of all meetings.

3. Shall keep custody of the original copy of the Constitution and By-Laws, and all other records not specifically assigned to other offices.

4. Shall check the CACCOA PO Box and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.

5. Shall send Thank You notes for donations.

6. Shall maintain an up-to-date digital contact list of members including:

a) Name

b) Agency

c) Mailing Address

d) Email

e) Phone

f) Member Type

7. Shall keep track of new members and issue membership cards, decals and pins.

Section 6: Treasurer

(a) Shall be responsible for all funds and have charge and custody of the financial records of CACCOA. They shall deposit, in the name of the alliance in one or more banks or incorporated trust companies within the State of Connecticut designated as depositories by the Board of Directors, all moneys received and generally shall perform such duties incident to the office of Treasurer.

(b) Funds shall be withdrawn from any depository upon a check signed by the Treasurer. The bank signature card for all bank accounts shall have the signatures of both the Treasurer and the President.

(c) The books and accounts of the CACCOA shall be audited, by a professional accounting firm, at the request of the President or three board members.

(d) Shall file state and federal forms and taxes when due

(e) Shall file and keep up to date all paperwork necessary to maintain a non-profit status.

(f) Shall file any other financial reports as required.

Section 7: Legislative

(a) Shall be responsible for researching and tracking legislation pertaining to the Animal Control profession.

(b) He or she will notify the board and members of potential or pending legislation at the monthly/bi-monthly meetings and organize and chair legislative committee meetings as necessary.

Section 8: Content Creator

Shall be responsible for creating and regularly maintaining a professional looking CACCOA website, a social media presence for the purpose of member enrollment, information distribution, education, fundraising, promoting camaraderie between ACO’s and enhancing community and public engagement pertaining to the field of Animal Care & Control. They shall set up and maintain digital programs necessary for the work of the organization. All activities of the content creator must fall within the CACCOA Code of Conduct parameters and be approved by the board of directors.

Section 9: Training

1. Shall be responsible for responsible for organizing training for Animal Care & Control Officers (ACO’s).

2. Identify and assess the training needs for ACO’s.

3. Select and manage resources, including working with training vendors to deliver training and all logistics necessary to implement such training.

4. Liaise with the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Animal Control Division, to get training approved for continuing education units.

5. Be responsible to obtain or provide training certificates for attendees. Maintain a digital list of training classes, attendees and continuing education credits earned.

Section 10: Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer

Section 11: Removal of a Board Member or Officer

Removal of a Board Member or Officer shall be determined by a 2/3 majority vote of the regular members.

ARTICLE 8: Committees

The officers may appoint committees as deemed necessary to carry out the work of CACCOA. All committee members shall serve until their respective successors are appointed and the officers shall have the power to fill vacancies in all committees.

ARTICLE 9: REPRESENTATIVES

Regular members may be appointed by the board to represent the alliance at meetings of other organizations.

ARTICLE 10: FEES

Officers or committee members of CACCOA shall not receive any salary or fee for their services, but may receive reimbursement for reasonable, authorized expenses, approved by the Board of Directors, incurred in the performance of their association duties.

Any request for reimbursement must be accompanied by a validated receipt. Any request for reimbursement over $5,000.00 must be approved by a majority vote of the members at a regular meeting.

ARTICLE 11: EDUCATION & CONFERENCES

The Board shall establish training classes and organize a conference as needed.

ARTICLE 12: Awards

The board shall establish an award committee. The committee will be responsible for working on the following awards.

CACCOA Officer of the Year

This Award is given to an individual that has been directly involved in the animal control profession for a minimum of three years. The recipient must demonstrate a deep commitment to the animal control profession by proactive and progressive actions. Recipients may be nominated for a single outstanding achievement or for long-term exceptional performance in the animal control field.

CACCOA Volunteer of the Year

This Award is for outstanding volunteer service. The nominee selected to win this Award is someone who is not directly employed in the animal control field but serves in volunteer capacity within the animal control field. He or she will have demonstrated exceptional dedication or performed outstanding work far beyond the requirements of the volunteer position. To nominate someone for this Award, you must work with, or have direct first-hand knowledge of the nominee.

CACCOA Outstanding Agency Award

This Award is given to an Outstanding Animal Control Agency. Selection criterion for this Award includes effective training programs for personnel, outstanding/innovative public education programs, active community involvement, maintenance of a socially conscience facility and through all their actions elevate the Animal Control Profession.

Connecticut Animal Care & Control Legislator of the Year

This award is given to a legislator in Connecticut who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to advancing legislation and awareness efforts related to the protection of animals and people (pertaining to animals). Special consideration will be given to legislators who maintain open communication with Animal Care & Control Officers on these issues. Recipients may be nominated for a single outstanding achievement or for long-term exceptional performance.

The Award Committee shall be responsible for the following responsibilities.

1. Create digital nomination forms and notify voting members by August 01 of each year with a nomination closing date of October 01 of each year.

2. Establish protocol to determine winners of the award and notify recipients

3. Order awards

4. Plan the awards ceremony including location, date & time.

5. Invite media and lawmakers to the award ceremony via press release or personal invite. Send a press release to local and state news media after the ceremony announcing the winners. Post winners on CACCOA website, social media and notify local lawmakers and the Governor’s office.

6. Obtain approval from the board

ARTICLE 13: Code of Conduct

1. An Animal Care & Control professional acts as an official representative of government with rights, powers, duties and authority conferred by statute and is obligated and trusted to abide by, work within, and enforce the laws of the state and their respective jurisdiction. The fundamental duties of an Animal Care & Control professional include serving the community, providing protection for the public and animals, and enforcing laws in that regard. An Animal Care & Control shall perform all duties incumbent upon the position without fear or favor and with impartial consideration and respect for every individual’s status, gender, race, religion, political belief or aspirations. Animal Care & Control professionals must conduct themselves in a manner above reproach that does not bring discredit to their agencies or themselves. An Animal Care & Control professional’s character and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or she lives and serves.

2. Animal Care & Control professionals will be responsible for their own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence. Through study and experience, an Animal Care & Control professional can acquire the high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a never-ending process of personal and professional development that should be pursued constantly.

3. Animal Care & Control officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously and, in carrying out their responsibilities, Animal Care & Control Officers will strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public. Animal Care & Control Officers will conduct themselves in appearance and deportment in such a manner as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of public trust they hold.

4. An Animal Care & Control Officer will use responsibly the discretion vested in his or her position and exercise it within the law. The principle of reasonableness will guide the Animal Care & Control Officer’s determinations. The Animal Care & Control Officer will consider all surrounding circumstances in determining whether any legal action shall be taken.

5. An Animal Care & Control Officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence, only using such force as is necessary and reasonable in the discharge of duty to protect the public, animals or the Animal Care & Control Officer. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every Animal Control Officer will refrain from unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhumane treatment of any person or animal

ARTICLE 14: AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS

These by-laws may be repealed, altered, or amended by majority vote of the regular members at any meeting of CACCOA called for that purpose, provided any alteration or change proposed shall first have been submitted to the Board of Directors for review not less than thirty (30) days prior to the holding of such meeting. Following such review by the board, copies of such proposed alterations or changes shall be e-mailed to all members of the association, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the holding of such meeting.

ARTICLE 15: EFFECTIVE DATE

These by-laws, effective upon their adoption, supersede all former by-laws of CACCOA.

ARTICLE 16: DISSOLUTION

Section 1: The Association may be dissolved only by written consent of not less than two-thirds of the voting members present at a meeting convened for that purpose.

Section 2: Upon dissolution, all remaining assets shall be distributed to a non-profit animal welfare organization or Professional Society/Association of Animal Control Professionals by member nomination and a vote of not less than two-thirds of the voting members present at a meeting convened for that purpose.