Joe Stafford Joins CDA as Inaugural Division of Animal Welfare Director
Newly formed division houses both of CDA’s animal welfare programs
“This new division will allow us to focus on the well-being of both companion animals and livestock, and I look forward to working with partners across the state to implement important initiatives that focus on animal welfare,” said Joe Stafford, the inaugural Division of Animal Welfare Director. (Courtesy photo of Joe Stafford)
BROOMFIELD, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Agriculture welcomes Joe Stafford as its first director of the new Division of Animal Welfare. Bringing with him more than 23 years dedicated to animal welfare, Stafford will manage the operations of the newly formed division that houses both of CDA’s animal welfare programs: the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) and the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) Program.
“Joe has the experience necessary to lead CDA’s new Division of Animal Welfare and is committed to building collaborative relationships with pet animal and livestock organizations as well as law enforcement agencies across Colorado,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “As Division of Animal Welfare Director, Joe will focus on implementing key initiatives, such as the new Equine Welfare Assistance Grant program, promoting mental health services on animal welfare cases, and implementing new community outreach and engagement efforts.”
The Division of Animal Welfare will help Colorado strengthen its support for the welfare of companion animals and livestock, while providing additional capacity to the Animal Health Division to focus on animal health and agricultural emergencies. As the Division Director, Stafford will lead by providing strategic direction, strengthening relationships with partners and stakeholders, and helping drive education and outreach to support animal owners across Colorado.
Stafford began his career as an Animal Welfare Officer with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) in 2001. Over the years, he held various positions at HSPPR, culminating in his role as the Director of Animal Law Enforcement. There, he led a team of 45 officers, responding to over 45,000 service calls annually, including more than 4,250 animal maltreatment cases. Stafford also served as a board member of the Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers for seven years, including as president between 2007 and 2011.
“By placing the Bureau of Animal Protection and the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act Program under this new division, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to protecting animals in Colorado,” said Division of Animal Welfare Director Joe Stafford. “This new division will allow us to focus on the well-being of both companion animals and livestock, and I look forward to working with partners across the state to implement important initiatives that focus on animal welfare.”
Before joining CDA, Stafford was the Director of Animal Services for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, where he oversaw the Animal Welfare Intervention program, which supported law enforcement across Iowa in addressing animal neglect and cruelty. Under his leadership, the program expanded, averaging 24 animal rescues and more than 350 animals removed from cruelty each year.
Before his career in animal welfare, Stafford served in the United States Air Force for 11 years as a Law Enforcement Specialist and Training Manager. In this role, he directed numerous training programs, educating more than 8,000 students annually from five military bases in the Pikes Peak Region and the United States Air Force Academy.
— Colorado Department of Agriculture
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