Section 2039.5 - Animal Control Officer and Humane Officer Training(a) For purposes of compliance with section 597.1 of the Penal Code, training for animal control or humane officers that meets the requirements of subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) of this section shall be deemed approved by the Board.(b) For the purposes of this section, the term "licensee" means a California veterinarian who holds a current and valid license to practice veterinary medicine, as issued by the Board and the term "agency" means the organization or public entity employing the animal control or humane officer.(c) The training, which shall be a minimum of four hours, shall be provided by a licensee and shall include didactic and hands-on training.(d) The training shall include the following components:(1) Definitions, weights and measures, and use of each and every controlled substance authorized by the agency for use in the chemical capture and immobilization of animals.(2) Schedules and classifications of controlled substances and any hazards associated with exposure to the substances.(3) Review of applicable Safety and Data Sheet (SDS) for each controlled substance authorized for use by the agency, such that each animal control or humane officer is familiar with the proper procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner.(4) The appropriate administration route and methods of administration available to the animal control or humane officer and for each species that is likely to be tranquilized in the field, including:(A) Common drug combinations(B) Factors that may affect the choice of the controlled substances to be administered and the appropriate dosage(C) Equipment available to administer the controlled substances, and advantages and disadvantages of each method(D) Drug administration and the advantages and disadvantages of each route of administration.(5) Calculation of the proper dosages for each controlled substance for species likely to be tranquilized, including how to calculate a dosage with the following considerations: animal's weight, age, condition, and temperament.(6) Identification of drug overdose or adverse drug reactions(7) Normal and abnormal signs and behavior of an animal following the administration of a tranquilizer(8) The proper care and transport of an animal tranquilized in the field.(9) Identification when an animal requires veterinary care as a result of complications due to tranquilization.(10) Review of applicable state and federal laws and regulations regarding the possession, storage, administration, tracking, and disposal of controlled substances.(11) The level of licensee supervision established by the agency for an animal control or humane officer to administer controlled substances.(e) At the conclusion of the training, the animal control or humane officer must complete an oral or written examination provided by the licensed veterinarian, which shall cover the required curriculum and shall include a practical component.(f) Upon an officer's successful completion of the course, as determined by the licensee, the agency or its designee shall issue a signed certificate verifying that the animal control or humane officer completed the course, and the certificate, which is not transferable, shall be valid for four (4) years after issuance. The agency shall retain a copy of a certificate for six (6) years after its issuance.(g) An agency that seeks to have an animal control or humane officer administer a controlled substance that was not addressed in the original training shall have the licensee review and discuss with the agency's officers the information specified in subsections (3), (5), (6) and (7) of subdivision (d) and both the content and the date of the review shall be documented and retained by the agency for six (6) years.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 2039.5
1. New section filed 12-20-2017; operative 12-20-2017 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2017, No. 51). Note: Authority cited: Section 4808, Business and Professions Code; and Section 597.1, Penal Code. Reference: Section 597.1, Penal Code.
1. New section filed 12-20-2017; operative 12/20/2017 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2017, No. 51).