Almost every offense that comes through Probation is referred to some type of educational program, so why not provide one related to animal offenses as well?   In response, the Court now provides an educational opportunity for animal related crimes through a program called the Animal Related Ordinances Course or AROC. 

In 2019, Cleveland Animal Control and Probation Officer Jodi Burmeister created a free, 90 minute class educating participants on how to comply with all of the Cleveland related animal ordinances.  Topics such as tethering, bites, Level I and Level II threat requirements, neglect, county licenses and shelter requirements are covered and anyone with an animal related case is eligible for the class. Judge Nelson has been referring people to the class held via zoom and the feedback from over 150 participants served has been very positive.