Austin Animal Services officer receives award

Michelle Baca received an Officer of the Year award from the Texas Animal Control Association for her work in the field microchipping stray animals in Austin. “This is the first time anyone from Austin has received this award,” said Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland. The award is a statewide recognition effort for individuals who contribute to animal care, control and welfare. Baca, who has been with the department for a year, has the highest microchipping rate in the field of all Austin animal control officers, according to Bland. In a double acknowledgment of her efforts, the Animal Advisory Commission offered her a certificate in recognition of her achievement at its Dec. 9 meeting. “Animal protection officers are underappreciated, underpaid and overworked,” said Chair David Lundstedt. He noted that officers who perform duties above and beyond what is normally required are deserving of recognition.