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Info for Animal Control & Field Officers
Info for District Attorneys & Judges |
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FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY TRAINING Felony Animal Cruelty Training Outline I. Definition of Cruelty a) neglect 1) i.e. could include lack of shelter, water, veterinary care... b) cruelty 1) i.e. could also encompass neglect circumstances like lack of shelter and could include striking or abandonment... c) extreme cruelty 1) i.e. intentionally injuring, poisoning or killing an animal...
a) references to studies proving links and case history b) benefits of FAC law in relation to animal welfare and treating abusers before they move their violence to human beings c) AniCare model of treatment for animal abusers, ground breaking therapies
a) legal definition of the law b) who the law effects c) who is responsible for enforcing the law d) when to implement the law e) how to implement the FAC law f) penalties and court options
a) responding to a complaint call 1) equal consideration to other calls 2) goal is safety of animal not just prosecution b) observation 1) look for neglect, not just abuse or cruelty 2) take thorough notes 3) document conditions with photos 4) make contact with animal owner 5) educate owner c) report writing 1) importance of filing reports for animal calls, paper trail and documentation 2) detail! detail! detail! 3) who 4) what 5) when 6) where 7) why 8) how d) search warrants 1) when you need them 2) when you don’t need them e) other considerations 1) dead animals - call vet to scene, arrange necropsy 2) other animals on scene f) creative dispositions 1) major goal to protect animals 2) first time offenders only 3) can control outcome and avoid risks of trial 4) keeping role in perspective, avoiding "animal Gestapo" role 5) consider time elements of case and affect on animals g) suggestions for using the FAC law successfully 1) develop a relationship with your local prosecutor or other associates 2) know the law and accompanying responsibilities 3) ask for help or clarification to prepare a solid case 4) contact experts
I. How to Approach an Animal a) non-threatening body language II. Muzzling an animal a) when it will be necessary b) with proper muzzle c) without proper muzzle III. Restraining an Animal a) when it will be necessary b) how to safely and humanely restrain an animal VI. Moving an Animal a) moving a friendly animal b) moving a reluctant or hostile animal c) moving an injured animal 1) injured animals may try to bite, don’t take this personally V. Handling an Aggressive Animal a) most animals don’t intentionally attack b) how to defend yourself without being injured or causing injury VI. Handling Felines
VII. Handling Wild Animals a) know when to call an expert VIII. Handling Livestock APNM’s CARE Program
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