FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2023
Contact: Neal Patten, Public Information Officer, (608) 440-0294, neal.patten@wisconsin.gov
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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will host its annual humane officer training September 18-22, 2023 in Madison. Cost for the course is $575, and registration is required by September 12, 2.
DATCP hosts the 40-hour training in partnership with the University of Missouri-Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute. It is required for all humane officers in the state within one year of being appointed. Training course topics include laws, search and seizure, investigating animal crimes, the domestic violence link, evidence collection and documentation, and forensics. The courses are led by veterinarians, attorneys, and law enforcement officers with experience investigating animal cases.
In Wisconsin, any non-law enforcement person serving as a humane officer must be appointed by the governing body of a local jurisdiction. Humane officers provide a critical service to local jurisdictions by having the authority to investigate complaints of animal abuse and neglect. Besides responding to animal welfare complaints, humane officers can assist their local public health department to enforce dog licensing requirements, animal cruelty statutes, and the rabies control program, as well as seek subpoenas, issue citations, and request prosecution. In many cases, education is all that is necessary, and the humane officer will work with animal owners to help them improve animal care and avoid charges.
For additional details about the upcoming training or to register, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HumaneOfficerTraining.aspx. For more information on DATCP's Humane Officer Program, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HumaneOfficers.aspx.
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