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Panel recommends recognizing animal control officers as first responders, with follow-up on training and costs
Summary
The committee voted to pass SB 102 out favorably, a bill to include animal control officers in the state's definition of first responders. Testimony from animal-control professionals and nonprofits emphasized front-line work, co-response with police and fire, and access to grants and mental-health resources.
Senator Plumb presented SB 102 to clarify that animal control officers perform first-responder duties and to improve their access to training, equipment and support.
"If there's a dangerous dog, I want somebody there that knows how to control and get that dog out of there before somebody gets hurt," Plumb said, arguing recognition would improve clarity of roles in incident command and could open grant eligibility.
A broad array of witnesses spoke in favor. Carl Carpenter, field captain for Salt Lake County Animal Services, said Salt Lake County responded to over 20,000 jobs in 2025, including 2,000 priority calls, and described frequent co-response with police, fire and EMS. Sophia Deacon, an officer with Salt Lake County Animal Services, and Lacey Fitt, a field sergeant and retired police officer, described responding to volatile and high-risk situations and urged the designation to ensure access to protective equipment and mental-health care.
Ian Williams, president of the Utah Animal Control Officers Association, and retired Chief Mike Berg said designation would help secure training and grant eligibility and recognize elevated professional standards. Committee members requested follow-up information on whether the designation would require additional training or local costs; sponsors and witnesses said much depends on local staffing and that the bill is largely a recognition rather than a mandate.
Senator Stratton moved a favorable recommendation and the committee passed SB 102 out favorably; members asked the sponsor to consult with other first-responder organizations before further action.
