Blackwell Animal Control recognized for ACO Appreciation Week

National Animal Control Appreciation week is being celebrated nationwide from April 9 to April 15.

For Blackwell’s two animal control officers, it’s a love for animals and their community that keeps them going.

Cindy Yinger will celebrate her fifth year with the City of Blackwell in May.

She has been married to her high school sweetheart, David, for 17 years. They have three children: Anna, Matthew and Natalie.

Yinger said she has always worked around animals, whether it be her own animals or those at the veterinary clinic. She grew up loving all animals big and small, she said.

When she took the animal control officer’s position over five years ago, she said it was passion that influenced her choice.

“Why not try to grow your knowledge with something you’re so passionate about?” she said. “There have been many ups and downs with the career, but the great outweighs it so much.”

In the past five years, she’s helped save more than 6,000 animals from the Blackwell area.

Crystal Parson joined the animal control team in December.

Parson will celebrate her 15th anniversary in October. She has two sons: Bryson and Eli.

Parson has had a love for animals since she was a little girl, she said.

“I have helped Officer Yinger out here and there over the past five years, and I have always had the utmost respect for her and the job she does,” she said. “When the position became available, I jumped at the opportunity to work to help advocate for the animals.”

Since she began working, the Blackwell Animal Shelter has saved more than 200 animals, and that makes everything they do worth it, she said.

Since December, the two officers have handled three animal cruelty cases, bringing in 16 dogs. The two also got to be a part of Greater Good Charities’ free “Good Fix” program last month, helping spay and neuter more than 1,000 dogs and cats in the Kay County area.

The two say they are looking forward to hosting another low-cost vaccination clinic, a dog prom, adoption events, festivals and educational programs at schools.

The animal shelter is seeking hard dog and cat food, canned dog and cat food, toys and treats. Also needed are used pet supplies, including dog houses, blankets, leashes, collars, kennels and more.

Those seeking to help are encouraged to donate to the animal shelter’s account at the Blackwell Animal Hospital. Yinger and Parson said they work to ensure the animals are fixed and vaccinated before adopting them out.

The job comes with heartbreak and joy, they said.

The Blackwell Animal Shelter regularly hosts educational clinics, community service opportunities, foster programs and more.

Yinger and Parson thanked the City Council, chief of police and community for their support.