16 Del. Admin. Code § 4502-4.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 7, January 1, 2025

Section 4502-4.0 - Training of Certified Animal Welfare Officers

4.1 An animal welfare officer training course shall provide at least forty (40) hours of instruction.

4.2 The course must be administered by or approved by the Office and minimum curriculum requirements shall include:

4.2.1 Role and authority of an animal welfare officer;

4.2.2 Delaware laws governing rabies control, animal control and protection, dangerous dogs, animal cruelty, and enforcement powers;

4.2.3 Animal health and disease recognition, control, and prevention;

4.2.4 First aid for injured animals;

4.2.5 Principles and procedures for humanely capturing and handling domestic animals, wildlife, and livestock;

4.2.6 Criminal justice system, investigative techniques, rules of evidence, and report writing;

4.2.7 Principles of courtroom testimony and prosecution;

4.2.8 Communications, conflict resolution, and officer safety; and

4.2.9 Emergency management.

4.3 Following the training detailed in subsection 4.2, the applicant shall take an examination provided by or approved by the Office. Applicants who fail to obtain a minimum score of 75% after testing two times must repeat the training course before additional testing is permitted.

4.4 Upon completion of an examination outlined in subsection 4.3, the applicant shall complete a minimum of eighty (80) hours of infield training under the direction of one or more Certified Animal Welfare Officers currently working in that capacity.

4.5 The Office may waive the completion of all or part of the curriculum required in subsection 4.2 upon presentation of documentary evidence that the individual has satisfactorily completed equivalent training or experience.

4.6 An animal welfare officer, if serving as such on the effective date of this Rule shall, within 6 months after the effective date of this Rule, complete the certification requirements outlined in Section 3.0. Persons who fail to complete the certification requirement within 6 months after the effective date of this Rule will not be authorized to act as an animal welfare officer in the State of Delaware and shall be subject to penalties pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 107(a).

4.7 An animal welfare officer hired on or after the effective date of this Rule shall, within 60 days after the date of hire, complete the certification requirements outlined in Section 3.0. Officers that have not completed the certification requirement within 60 days after the date of hire will not be authorized to act as an animal welfare officer in the State of Delaware.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 4502-4.0

22 DE Reg. 770( 3/1/2019) (final)