Fayette County Animal Services Director Miguel Abi-Hassan has been appointed by Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin to the state’s companion animal board.

The board provides input and advises the commissioner on all aspects of the pet industry and animal husbandry practices, including animal control, pet rescue, owner trends, disease, kenneling standards and other medical practice issues. The Department of Agriculture regulates these activities with assistance from the companion animal board to minimize any adverse impact on the general population.

Abi-Hassan will represent animal control’s voice on relevant companion animal issues, including pet overpopulation, stray animals, rural wildlife, laws, cruelty, and animal fighting. He will serve along with two veterinarians, the Atlanta Humane Society president, the founder of the Humane Association of Georgia, an American Kennel Club judge and various other animal welfare professionals.

Interim Public Safety Director Allen McCullough said, “There have been many accomplishments at the Fayette County Animal Shelter due to Miguel and his staff’s professionalism. I am pleased that Miguel was selected by the Agriculture Commissioner in an effort to improve animal services throughout the state.”

Abi-Hassan has served as the Director of the Fayette County Animal Services for the past three years. During his tenure he has reduced euthanasia rates by more than 25%, started Saturday adoption hours, installed an anti-microbial flooring system to reduce disease, added skylights (funded partially from a grant from the Fayette Humane Society) and created a variety of animal educational programs for all ages.

As part of the animal outreach program the shelter will be unveiling a disaster and aggravated cruelty case equipped vehicle expected to arrive late summer of 2007. The vehicle will educate citizens of all ages about proactive disaster management and the shelter’s role during natural disasters and efforts in preventing and responding to aggravated cruelty calls.

Abi-Hassan has a degree in industrial psychology and animal behavior with a combined experience of 10 years in animal welfare, ranging from wildlife rehab to instructing for various national organizations.

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