(a) The board shall develop and maintain standards for various classes of CACOs. The standards for education, training, and certification shall be adopted by administrative rule of the board, and shall not be less rigorous than those described in this chapter. A CalAnimals training committee shall review the standards and provide input to the board for adoption.

(b) The development and perpetual advancement of animal control officer professional standards and actively providing related educational offerings that lead to increased professional competence and ethical behavior shall be the highest priorities for the board in its licensing, certification, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the advancement of animal control officer professional standards and the provision of related educational offerings is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the former shall be paramount.

(c) The minimum standards to become a certified animal control officer are as follows:

(1)  Completion of at least 20 hours of a course of training in animal care sponsored or provided by an accredited postsecondary institution or any other provider approved by the California Veterinary Medical Association, the focus of which is the identification of disease, injury, and neglect in domestic animals and livestock.

(2)  Completion of at least 40 hours of a course of training on state laws relating to the powers and duties of an officer charged with enforcing laws relating to the humane treatment of animals sponsored or provided by an accredited postsecondary institution, law enforcement agency, or CalAnimals. Training required pursuant to Section 830.9 of the Penal Code, as prescribed in Section 832 of the Penal Code, does not satisfy the minimum of 40 hours of training required by this paragraph. The course shall include, but not be limited to, training and competency requirements in the areas of administrative inspection, relevant food and agricultural laws, Penal Code provisions governing the treatment of animals and animal-related crimes, state and local health and safety codes, environmental regulations, public nuisance laws, applicable constitutional law, investigation and enforcement techniques, application of remedies, officer safety, and community engagement.

(3) During each three-year period following the date on which the certification was earned, completion of 40 hours of continuing education and training relating to the powers and duties of an animal control officer, which shall be sponsored or provided by an accredited postsecondary institution, law enforcement agency, or CalAnimals. Documentation shall be served to CalAnimals no later than 21 days after the expiration of each three-year period.

(4) An individual who has become a CACO in accordance with paragraph (1) shall complete the continuing education and training as required in this section from the date their certification is granted by the board.

(d) If an applicant has, before January 1, 2020, successfully completed the training required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c) within the previous 10 years of the applicant’s employment as an animal control officer, the board shall deem the applicant to have satisfied the training requirements of those paragraphs.

(e) The board may, by administrative rule, designate additional levels of certification.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 622, Sec. 2. (AB 1125) Effective January 1, 2020.)