UPWARDS & ONWARDS. ECCHA announced Kayla Johnson as its newest Humane Officer in April. (Background photo by Andrea Paulseth. Foreground photo submitted.)

The Eau Claire County Humane Association announced the appointment of Kayla Johnson as its newest humane officer on April 4. Johnson has previously served as animal caretaker, adoption coordinator, and most recently, shelter manager at ECCHA. 

The humane officer is charged with investigating and enforcing the state of Wisconsin’s animal welfare statutes and Eau Claire municipal animal ordinances. They receive hundreds of calls for service each year, the majority of which involve lack of food, water, and shelter, the ECCHA website states.

“We are thrilled to transition Kayla into our humane office role,” said Shelley Janke, executive director of the ECCHA. “Kayla’s background with ECCHA makes her the ideal person in ensuring the well-being of animals within our community.” 

After working closely with ECCHA’s director of animal care for several years, Johnson is well-prepared to transition into the humane officer role, as she comes with a deep understanding of animal behavior and hands-on experience. “Kayla’s role signifies ECCHA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and enforcement of humane practices. Her passion for animals and dedication to ECCHA’s mission promise to elevate the humane officer role to new heights,” the media release continued. 

Keep up with ECCHA on Facebook and its website • The ECCHA is appointment-only until further notice as it settles into its new building, still located at 3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire