Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference to feature nation's top animal care experts, clinicians, fundraisers, legal specialists and more in Battle Creek, Mich.

DETROIT, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Humane Society and Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers have revealed the line-up for the 2016 Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference, the region's premier educational and networking event for animal sheltering and veterinary professionals, animal control agencies, animal welfare advocates and rescue groups.

Headlining this year's conference is Kate Hurley, DVM and MPVM, whose work via the Million Cat Challenge has saved hundreds of thousands of feline lives. Dr. Hurley is director of the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California - Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

The 2016 GLAWC takes place Oct. 24 and 25 at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Mich., and is presented by the Petco Foundation. Included among the 32 sessions are:

• Human violence and animal cruelty – Matt Pepper, president and CEO, Michigan Humane Society
• Difficult-to-place dogs – Ed Jamison, chief animal control officer, Cleveland Animal Care and Control
• Wildlife handling and rehab – David Pauli, Humane Society of the United States
• Feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus – Annette Litster, BVSc, Ph.D., Zoetis
• Michigan Depart. of Agriculture and Rural Development - Animal Industry Division update – James Averill, DVM, Ph.D., MDARD-AID director

"The Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference brings together the top people in our industry to share best practices, learn about the latest trends in care and advocacy, welcome new professionals and collaborate to advance our joint efforts," said Matthew Pepper, CEO and president of MHS.

"It's great to be able to bring this specialized training to animal control officers statewide," said Andy Seltz, vice president of MAACO. "It's a perfect opportunity to come together and share ideas that will ultimately raise our collective abilities to better serve the animals and people in our communities."

Other sponsors include Zoetis, the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust, Merck Animal Health, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Petfinder, Purina, NexGard and Heartgard.

For a list of sessions, registration fees and hotel information for the 2016 GLAWC and to register online, visit michiganhumane.org/glawc. FireKeeper's Casino Hotel is located at 11177 E. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek, Mich.

MAACO is a not-for-profit organization registered with the state of Michigan dedicated to the enhancement of the profession of animal control officers in Michigan by establishing professional standards, training and practices, for the control and care of animals and the protection of public health.

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide high quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to its care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values. michiganhumane.org

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-lakes-animal-welfare-conference-to-feature-nations-top-animal-care-experts-clinicians-fundraisers-legal-specialists-and-more-in-battle-creek-mich-300342137.html

SOURCE Michigan Humane Society