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TACA Recommended Certification/CE Training Policy

TACA is no longer the entity that approves classes for credit hours.  If you have a class to submit for credit hour approval, it must be submitted through the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in Austin prior to the date of the class.  DSHS approval may take up to eight (8) weeks.

 

Any questions about whether or not a proposed class is state-approved should be directed to DSHS.

 

To avoid confusion, TACA is only able to post state-approved classes on this website.  Proof of state approval is required.

 

TACA obtains state-approval for all of its conferences.  Members may be assured that they will receive the appropriate credit hours for any TACA conferences or classes that they attend.

 

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National Humane Law Enforcement Academy

For a complete list please visit http://humanek9.us/

 

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Texas Animal Control Association 36th Annual Conference November 7-10, 2010 Abilene, TX for more Info (PDF)

 

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Texas Department of State Health Services Educational Website Link

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During the 2007 session, legislature passed SB 1562, which entailed the creation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 829, Animal Control Officer Training.  Under this law, an animal control officer (ACO) is defined as a person (not including peace officers) who is employed, appointed, or otherwise engaged primarily to enforce laws relating to animal control. To read full article (PDF)

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As you know, Chapter 829 of the Texas Health and Safety Code says that a person cannot perform the duties of an animal control officer unless the person has completed a basic animal control course not later than one year after beginning those duties.  Certified peace officers are exempt from this training requirement.

 

The law also indicates that DSHS Zoonosis staff will check for compliance with this training requirement when the staff visit shelters or animal control officers (ACOs) or inspect quarantine facilities (Chapter 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and associated rules).  In order to determine compliance, our Zoonosis staff will need to see one of these: 

 

1. A certificate of satisfactory completion of a DSHS- approved ACO basic course. 2. Documentation that the person is a certified peace officer.  (Note:  Though certified peace officers are exempt from this training requirement, we do recommend that they attend a basic course in order for them to become familiar with the laws that pertain to animal issues.)
3. A letter from a supervisor stating the person is exempt from the training requirement because his/her primary duties are not animal control.
4. Documentation that the employee has been doing animal control duties for less than 12 months.

5. Documentation that the county where your facility is located has adopted an order exempting the county from Chapter 829
.

 

 

Please be sure to keep these documents (or copies of them) at the shelter or at your primary office so they will be easy for us to review when we inspect or visit.   If your shelter is required to be inspected by a for-hire veterinarian (Ch. 823 and 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code), the veterinarian will also be checking for this documentation. Having the documents readily accessible will make life easier for all concerned. 

 

Chapter 829 also mandates continuing education (CE) for ACOs.  Be sure to keep records of all DSHS-approved CE courses, meetings, or seminars you attend so you can easily demonstrate that you are meeting the CE requirements of the law.

 

Thanks,

 

Your Zoonosis Staff

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Updated Information about ACO Training!

 

The current, revised, hot-off-the-press printed copy of the DSHS ACO training manual is available for you to purchase from your local DSHS Regional Zoonosis Control office. 

 

This current version is significantly different from the previous editions of the manual.  In addition to updates in information, it contains the major statutes and rules of interest to animal control officers and animal shelters. 

Each law is updated with the revisions passed by the state legislature in 2007. 

 

If you plan to attend a DSHS, ACO Basic Training Course in the near future, you will be pleased to hear it is still a two day course for the very same low price of $75.00 as before!

Now is the time to purchase or download an updated ACO manual prior to attending the course for your review. As soon as the updated manual is posted on the DSHS website, you may download it for free as you have in the past! 

 

To download a copy of the manual, check the website at;

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/education/training/aco/manual/onLine/

 

Wait patiently for the updated ACO manual to be posted on that DSHS web-site in the near future.

 

New lower price:

The printed ACO Manual cost is $40.00; DSHS will not charge state sales tax as previously stated. 

 

How to obtain a manual:

 

1. Complete an ACO manual order form which can be obtained online at;

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/education/training/aco/manual/order/

The DSHS Manual order form on line is in PDF format and is specific to your DSHS regional office. To view the order form for your DSHS regional office, click on the county you live or work in and it will take you to the proper regional order form.

 (I have attached a word DOC order form for the use of stakeholders in DSHS Region 2/3)

 

2. Mail the manual order form, and a check for $40.00 to the DSHS Zoonosis office in your region, and a hardcopy will be mailed to you ASAP.

 

3. Remember please remit payment by check or money orders only please.  They should be payable to Texas Department of State Health Services.

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UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION
TEXAS ANIMAL CONTROL & LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
TX DSHS & TCLEOSE
 
BASIC ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER - TEXAS CERTIFICATION
August 26-27, 2010 - Irving, Texas
November 8-9, 2010 - Irving, Texas
[cid:4c1fbee25cafa]BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL INCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS
September 22, 2010 - Irving, Texas
 
DOG BITE PREVENTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES
August 31, 2010 - Irving, Texas
October 5, 2010 - Irving, Texas
[cid:4c1fbee25cafa]ILLEGAL DOGFIGHTING: A PRIMER FOR INVESTIGATORS
September 8, 2010
 
OFFICER SURVIVAL OF AGGRESSIVE & DANGEROUS DOGS
August 25, 2010 - Irving, Texas
September 29, 2010 - Weatherford, Texas
 
SELF-DEFENSE AGAINST DANGEROUS ANIMALS
July 22-23, 2010 - Irving, Texas
August 19-20, 2010 - San Antonio, Texas
September 16-17, 2010 - Stafford, Texas (Houston Area)
October 21-22, 2010 - Corpus Christi, Texas
December 2-3, 2010 - Lubbock, Texas
 
TACTICAL BITE STICK / OC SPRAY
August 6, 2010 - Irving, Texas
 
TEXAS HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER I - 24 HOURS
November 10-12, 2010 - Irving, Texas
 

REGISTRATION FORMS & COURSE CATALOG CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT:
 

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Safe-Capture International will be returning to Texas with the
16 hour workshop "Chemical Immobilization of Animals" at the following locations:

Our programs have been approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services for
16 hours of Continuing Education Credit for Texas Animal Control Officers!

 

 

This program will extensively cover immobilization techniques in species commonly encountered by:  Law Enforcement, Animal and Rabies Control, Humane and Animal Rescue Personnel,  Disaster Preparedness including: Feral Dogs, Feral Cats, Escaped Domestic Livestock, Urban Wildlife, and Exotic Animals.

--also including "in shelter" techniques for less distressful animal handling & pre-euthanasia applications, as well as techniques for rapid, safe, and quiet incapacitation of guard dogs.

 

Use this link to access Detailed Presentation Outlines: http://www.safecapture.com/New/acfrs.html and some interesting capture photos as well!

Instructor information, printable registration forms and electronic registration are available on our website: www.safecapture.com   Brochures containing all workshop details and registration materials are also available by telephone (608-767-3071) or e-mail (safecaptur@aol.com) request.


Our training program is presented over a 2 day period.  It consists of 14 hours of multimedia/ lecture/ PowerPoint/ video presentation, followed by 2 hours of "Hands On" training where participants are divided into small groups and are taught how to safely use blowguns, long range projectors, darts, human protective safety equipment, and dart associated radio-tracking devices.

 

Topics to be discussed will include:

 

·         Custom drug combinations and formulations which minimize induction times--the time from dart impact until the animal is immobilized.  (Dr. Amass has drug combinations and techniques that will safely and rapidly limit the escape potential of most animals within 64 seconds to 3.5 minutes).

·         Proper injection sites to ensure rapid drug absorption and effects

·         Capture strategies to minimize capture stress on the animal, and procedural stress of the officer

·         Advantages and disadvantages of the various commercially available darting systems

·         Techniques for sighting in dart projectors to ensure accurate, atraumatic dart delivery

·         Techniques and modifications which are necessary to have field accuracy and consistent results with currently manufactured darting systems and radiotracking devices.

·         Species specific and scenario specific drug and dosage recommendations

·         Dosage calculation

·         How to re-dose animals incompletely immobilized on approach

·         Where to obtain and how to use "superconcentrated" drugs which give you a faster knockdown, and allow you to use smaller, less traumatic darts

·         Post immobilization care of animals

·         Medical Monitoring: Assessment techniques to ensure the immobilized animal stays physiologically stable throughout the procedure

·         Medical Emergencies associated with capture and handling: How to prevent, recognize, and treat: capture myopathy, shock, hyperthermia, hypothermia, seizures, and other complications which can be avoided and managed in association with immobilization

·         Accidental human exposure to immobilizing medications: Which drugs are dangerous to humans? What can you expect with accidental human exposure? Standard Operating Procedures to prevent human exposure to immobilizing drugs.  How to coordinate with your physician and local poison control to develop protocols should an accidental exposure occur.

 

Hands-On Lab will include:

 

  • Safe Handling and Use of Immobilization Darts: Assembly, loading, unloading, and cleaning of the various brands available in the US.
  • Use of Safety Equipment for Prevention of Accidental Exposure to Anesthetic Drugs
  • Safe Handling and Use of Short and Long Range Projectors including: CO2, Air, and 22 blank powered projectors
  • Practice and Development of Proficiency with Pole Syringes
  • Practice and Development of Proficiency with Blowgun Delivery of Anesthetic Darts
  • Practice and Development of Proficiency with Radio-Tracking Darts

Our program has been presented since 1989, and is considered by US government agencies to be the standard in Chemical Immobilization training.  We have provided training to well over 8,000 professionals in the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Canada including the Animal Rescue League of Boston, New York ASPCA, Virginia Animal Control Association, Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, Essex County College Police Academy, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Beardsley Zoo, Audubon Park Zoo, Folsom City Zoo, Dallas World Aquarium, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Merck and Co., Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, Texas Parks and Wildlife, New York Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, US Fish and Wildlife Service-Alaska, USDA Wildlife Services, Beijing Biodiversity Center, and a multitude of others.

We provide evaluation questionnaires to course participants asking for ratings of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory or Disappointing.
  Over 90% of participants have rated our program excellent!  The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, and Oregon State University have granted our program 1 academic credit.

We do not sell equipment, nor do we have contracts with equipment manufacturers.
  We provide only education in Chemical Immobilization and field assistance, and our recommendations for drugs and equipment stem from practical field use.  Our instructors are Veterinarians specializing in remote anesthesia.  They are internationally recognized experts, who are friendly, experienced, easy to talk to, welcome questions, and have the answers you need.  This is the most complete, up to date training program available on Chemical Immobilization, presented in an easy to understand manner, applicable to all experience levels.

This is a completely revised and updated program. The all new 175-page manual:
"Chemical Immobilization of Animals: Technical Field Notes 2010" will be distributed at this workshop!


Certificates are awarded to those satisfactorily completing the program.

Cost for this workshop is $625 for early registration and $675 for general registration. Those who have attended our workshop previously may attend again as a refresher for $375.

 

For more information visit our website at http://www.safecapture.com/New/acfrs.html or contact us at:

 

Safe-Capture International, Inc., PO Box 206, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572
Tel: 608-767-3071, FAX: 608-767-3072, E-Mail:
safecaptur@aol.com

Copyright © 2006-2009 Safe-Capture® International Inc.

 

Also Returning To:

 

 

Massachusetts: Boston: Franklin Park Zoo: August 17-18, 2010

 

Virginia: Fredericksburg: Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy:   August 23-24, 2010

 

Texas: Dallas: Dallas Zoo:   September 13-14, 2010

 

Texas: Bastrop (near Austin): M.D. Anderson Cancer Center:   September 16-17, 2010

 

Florida: Kissimmee: Holiday Inn Main Gate East: September 20-21, 2010

 

Ohio: Cleveland: Cleveland Museum of Natural History: September 27-28, 2010

 

Ohio: Dayton: Montgomery County Animal Resources Center: September 30-October 1, 2010

 

Maryland: Laurel: Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge: October 19-20, 2010

 

Wisconsin: Stevens Point: UW College of Natural Resources:   October 23-24, 2010

 

Connecticut: Bridgeport: Beardsley Zoo: November 4-5, 2010

 

New Jersey: Cedar Grove: (Near Newark): Essex Co. College Police Academy: November 16-17, 2010

 

Texas: San Antonio: Wild Animal Orphanage: December 7-8, 2010

 

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DSHS Approved Euthanasia Training Course Schedule

web link

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The newly-revised Texas ACO Training Manual is now available online:

 

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/education/training/aco/manual/onLine/

 

Additionally, the updated Texas animal laws are available at:

 

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/laws/rules/

 

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Alan Spence Chief-PO/CACO
Texas Academy of Animal Control Officers

"Professional Humane Law Enforcement Training"
(979) 542-5010/(877) 700-ACO1
www.txacademyaco.com

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If you have a course, class, workshop, seminar or conference that you would like to have added to our education page please submit in the following format; Name of organization or agency, title or theme name of event, dates of event, location of event, name of contact person, contact person phone number & e-mail address, and link to web site for additional information and registration form.

E-mail information in this format to Cathy Clark - tacaexsc@consolidated.net

 

 

 

 

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Website © 2004 by Texas Animal Control Association, P.O. Box 150637, Lufkin, Texas 75915-0637.  This site is best viewed in 800x600 pixel resolution.  For additional information about TACA, please email tacaexsc@consolidated.net.  Please address questions or comments on this site to the Webmaster