On November 7, 2019, Brandi Homeier was recognized by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office with the Domestic Violence in Policing Award. These awards are given out by the Attorney’s office to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond and/or performed outstanding service in their work as it relates to domestic violence. Brandi was recognized both as a representative of the Seattle Animal Shelter and as an individual, in recognition of her passion and dedication to her job.
Brandi began her work in animal welfare as a Licensed Veterinary Technician for 8 years before seeing a job posting for an Animal Control Officer at the Seattle Animal Shelter. She quickly jumped on the opportunity, realizing she could get paid to work at a shelter. Brandi worked in the Animal Control Officer position for 8 years before taking on her role as supervisor.
As a Field Services Supervisor, Brandi handles the logistical and administrative tasks such as scheduling, assisting customers and handling complaints for her team. Brandi also audits completed calls to the team, secures and serves search/seizure warrants, works with the Services office prosecution team, and last but not least — lets dogs hang out in her office. In addition, Brandi assists in and oversees in investigations for criminal-level offenses by:
- Speaking to officers about angles to take and things to ask and look for in their cases
- Speaking to suspects, explaining processes, and attending appeal meetings (if their animal has been seized)
- Assisting veterinarians during exams and taking photos/collecting evidence
- Working with filing prosecutor to ensure that there is enough evidence found to proceed with the case
- Working with trial prosecutors with regards to evidence and prepping involved agency members before testifying
- Keeping the animal care team abreast of the status of ‘case hold’ animals
Although there is a lot of work and a lot of steps involved in handling cases, Brandi finds the work extremely rewarding. “The feeling of being able to directly intervene and improve quality of life is amazing,” notes Brandi.
Brandi and her team aim to not only protect the well-being of pets, but of humans as well. 52% of defendants in Seattle that have been charged with animal cruelty in the last 5-10 years have been found to have a domestic violence history. Because of this link (and their love of animals), three women within the Domestic Violence unit of the City Attorney’s Office have become the dedicated Animal Cruelty prosecution team for Brandi and her team. Alyssa Shaw, a Victim Advocate in this team, says the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty has been getting more and more attention through research done with survivors of domestic violence. In one study, 71% of women surveyed in a domestic violence shelter reported their partners had actually hurt or threatened their companion animal. It has also been shown that the welfare of animals is a contributing factor for survivors trying to flee their abusive homes. In addition to working with Alyssa, Brandi also works with Victoria VanNocken, who is responsible for filing cases as they come through to this unit through Seattle Animal Shelter and the Seattle Police Department. Catherine Riedo is the third member of the Animal Cruelty team, and is responsible for handling the case once it is filed through negotiations and trial.
Alyssa, Victoria and Catherine were the ones who nominated Brandi for the Domestic Violence in Policing Award. When asked why they submitted the nomination, Alyssa said, “It was because of her absolute dedication to her work as well as her commitment to make sure Seattle is a safe place for humans and animals.”
Alyssa cited one specific case when Brandi helped with a search warrant to allow for a dog to be temporarily taken by Seattle Animal Shelter because of cruelty allegations. Although Brandi was off-duty, she observed something that aided the case and contacted the police to execute the search warrant.
“This is just a small example of the endless list of things that Brandi does for us and her team, and that also shows how invested she is in her cases and to keeping the community safe,” Alyssa says.
The work of Brandi, her team, and the partners in the City Attorney’s Office is important and integral to the animal welfare of the community. We are grateful for the work that they do day in and day out to protect the well-being of animals in Seattle.
If you are able, consider donating to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation to support this collaborative program between Seattle Animal Shelter and the City Attorney’s office.
Don’t forget to join us for our biggest fundraising event of the year, Furevermore Auction & Gala, for a free, virtual event starting November 9th and continuing with a real time auction on November 14th.