Senate Bill sb2058e1

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  1                      A bill to be entitled

  2         An act relating to animal control; amending s.

  3         767.12, F.S.; revising provisions relating to

  4         procedures for having dogs declared dangerous;

  5         authorizing animal control authorities to make

  6         such declarations; providing for evidentiary

  7         hearings; requiring confinement of animals

  8         during the hearing process; requiring owners of

  9         dangerous dogs to purchase an annual

10         certificate; providing for local governments to

11         authorize certain regulations; providing that

12         certain dogs brought into a jurisdiction to

13         register and must comply with the act; amending

14         s. 767.13, F.S.; requiring owners to pay for

15         boarding during certain hearings and appeals

16         and allowing the authority to euthanize an

17         animal and obtain reimbursement from the owner

18         under specified circumstances; amending s.

19         828.055, F.S.; authorizing additional drugs for

20         which permits may be issued for the capture or

21         euthanasia of animals; amending s. 828.058,

22         F.S.; requiring chemical immobilization

23         training, which training must be approved by

24         the Board of Veterinary Medicine; amending s.

25         828.03, F.S.; requiring training for certain

26         agents of counties or societies that may

27         prosecute violators; amending s. 828.073, F.S.;

28         authorizing officers and agents of

29         municipalities to take actions with respect to

30         animals in distress and officers and agents of

31         counties; amending s. 828.27, F.S.; redefining


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  1         the term "animal control officer"; increasing

  2         training requirements; providing an effective

  3         date.

  4

  5  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

  6

  7         Section 1.  Section 767.12, Florida Statutes, is

  8  amended to read:

  9         767.12  Classification of dogs as dangerous;

10  certification of registration; notice and hearing

11  requirements; confinement of animal; exemption; appeals;

12  unlawful acts.--

13         (1)(a)  An animal control authority shall investigate

14  reported incidents involving any dog that may be dangerous and

15  shall, if possible, interview the owner and require a sworn

16  affidavit from any person, including any animal control

17  officer or enforcement officer, desiring to have a dog

18  classified as dangerous. Any animal that is the subject of a

19  dangerous dog investigation, that is not impounded with the

20  animal control authority, shall be humanely and safely

21  confined by the owner in a securely fenced or enclosed area

22  pending the outcome of the investigation and resolution of any

23  hearings related to the dangerous dog classification. The

24  address of where the animal resides shall be provided to the

25  animal control authority. No dog that is the subject of a

26  dangerous dog investigation may be relocated or ownership

27  transferred pending the outcome of an investigation or any

28  hearings related to the determination of a dangerous dog

29  classification. In the event that a dog is to be destroyed,

30  the dog shall not be relocated or ownership transferred.

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  1         (b)  A dog shall not be declared dangerous if the

  2  threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who, at

  3  the time, was unlawfully on the property or, while lawfully on

  4  the property, was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog

  5  or its owner or a family member. No dog may be declared

  6  dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being

  7  within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified

  8  attack or assault.

  9         (c)  After the investigation, the animal control

10  authority shall review data collected during the

11  investigation, shall make an initial determination as to

12  whether there is sufficient cause to classify the dog as

13  dangerous, and may make and shall afford the owner an

14  opportunity for a hearing prior to making a final

15  determination declaring the dog dangerous. The animal control

16  authority shall provide written notification of the

17  sufficient-cause sufficient cause finding, to the owner, by

18  certified registered mail, certified hand delivery, or service

19  in conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to

20  service of process. The owner may file a written request for

21  an evidentiary a hearing in county court or an administrative

22  hearing, as determined by local ordinance, to challenge the

23  sufficient-cause finding within 7 calendar days after from the

24  date of receipt of the notification of the sufficient-cause

25  sufficient cause finding. A and, if requested, the hearing

26  shall be held as soon as possible, but not more than 21

27  calendar days, or as soon thereafter as is practical, and no

28  sooner than 5 days after receipt of the request from the

29  owner. If the owner does not request a hearing within the

30  7-day period, the dog shall automatically be declared

31  dangerous without further action. Each applicable local


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  1  governing authority shall establish hearing procedures that

  2  conform to this paragraph.

  3         (d)  Upon receipt of notice of the finding of

  4  sufficient cause, the owner Once a dog is classified as a

  5  dangerous dog, the animal control authority shall provide

  6  written notification to the owner by registered mail,

  7  certified hand delivery or service, and the owner may file a

  8  written request for a hearing in the county court to appeal

  9  the classification within 10 business days after receipt of a

10  written determination of dangerous dog classification and must

11  confine the dog in a securely fenced or enclosed area pending

12  a resolution of the matter appeal. The animal control

13  authority may not impose any restrictions upon a dog that has

14  not yet been classified as dangerous, except for confinement

15  or impoundment of the animal and for prohibiting the

16  relocation or transfer of ownership of the animal. Each

17  applicable local governing authority must establish appeal

18  procedures that conform to this paragraph.

19         (2)  Within 14 days after a dog has been classified as

20  dangerous by the animal control authority or the findings have

21  been a dangerous dog classification is upheld by the county

22  court on appeal, the owner of the dog must obtain a

23  certificate of registration for the dog from the animal

24  control authority in serving the area in which he or she

25  resides, which and the certificate must shall be renewed

26  annually. Animal control authorities are authorized to issue

27  such Certificates of registration, and renewals thereof, may

28  be issued only to persons who are at least 18 years of age and

29  who present to the animal control authority sufficient

30  evidence of:

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  1         (a)  A current certificate of rabies vaccination for

  2  the dog.

  3         (b)  A proper enclosure in which to confine the a

  4  dangerous dog and the posting of the premises with a clearly

  5  visible warning sign at all entry points that informs both

  6  children and adults that of the presence of a dangerous dog is

  7  on the property.

  8         (c)  Permanent identification of the dog, such as a

  9  tattoo on the inside thigh or electronic implantation.

10

11  The appropriate local governmental unit may impose an annual

12  fee for the issuance of certificates of registration and may

13  impose more stringent requirements that it considers

14  appropriate required by this section.

15         (3)  The owner shall immediately notify the appropriate

16  animal control authority when a dog that has been classified

17  as dangerous:

18         (a)  Is loose or unconfined.

19         (b)  Has bitten a human being or attacked another

20  animal.

21         (c)  Is sold, given away, or dies.

22         (d)  Is moved to another address.

23

24  Before Prior to a dangerous dog is being sold or given away,

25  the owner must shall provide the name, address, and telephone

26  number of the new owner to the animal control authority. The

27  new owner must comply with all of the requirements of this act

28  and applicable implementing local ordinances, even if the

29  animal is moved from one local jurisdiction to another within

30  the state. The owner of an animal that is brought into this

31  state from another state where it was subjected to


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  1  restrictions similar to this section must comply with this

  2  section. The local animal control authority officer must be

  3  notified by the owner of a dog classified as dangerous or

  4  subject to similar restrictions in another state that the dog

  5  is in its his or her jurisdiction.

  6         (4)  It is unlawful for the owner of a dangerous dog to

  7  permit the dog to be outside a proper enclosure unless the dog

  8  is muzzled, and restrained by a substantial chain or leash,

  9  and under control of a competent person.  The muzzle must be

10  made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or

11  interfere with its vision or respiration but will prevent it

12  from biting any person or animal.  The owner may exercise the

13  dog in a securely fenced or enclosed area that does not have a

14  top, without a muzzle or leash, if the dog remains within his

15  or her sight. and Only members of the immediate household who

16  are or persons 18 years of age or older are allowed in the

17  enclosure when the dog is present.  When being transported,

18  such dogs must be safely and securely restrained within a

19  vehicle.

20         (5)  Hunting dogs are exempt from the provisions of

21  this act when engaged in any legal hunt or training procedure.

22  Dogs engaged in training or exhibiting in legal sports such as

23  obedience trials, conformation shows, field trials,

24  hunting/retrieving trials, and herding trials are exempt from

25  the provisions of this act when engaged in any legal

26  procedures. However, such dogs at all other times in all other

27  respects are shall be subject to this and local laws.  Dogs

28  that have been classified as dangerous may shall not be used

29  for hunting purposes.

30         (6)  This section does not apply to dogs used by law

31  enforcement officials for law enforcement work.


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  1         (7)  Any person who violates any provision of this

  2  section is guilty of a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a

  3  fine not exceeding $500.

  4         Section 2.  Section 767.13, Florida Statutes, is

  5  amended to read:

  6         767.13  Attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalties;

  7  confiscation; destruction.--

  8         (1)  If a dog that has previously been declared

  9  dangerous attacks or bites a person or a domestic animal

10  without provocation, the owner is guilty of a misdemeanor of

11  the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

12  775.083. In addition, the dangerous dog shall be immediately

13  confiscated by an animal control authority, placed in

14  quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time, or

15  impounded and held for 10 business days after the owner is

16  given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter

17  destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day

18  time period shall allow the owner to request a hearing under

19  s. 767.12. The owner shall be responsible for payment of all

20  boarding costs and other fees as may be required to humanely

21  and safely keep the animal during any hearing process or

22  appeal procedure. If an owner does not pay any required

23  boarding costs, the animal control authority may euthanize the

24  dog and obtain reimbursement from the owner.

25         (2)  If a dog that has not been declared dangerous

26  attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any human, the

27  dog shall be immediately confiscated by an animal control

28  authority, placed in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper

29  length of time or held for 10 business days after the owner is

30  given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter

31  destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day


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  1  time period shall allow the owner to request a hearing under

  2  s. 767.12. The owner shall be responsible for payment of all

  3  boarding costs and other fees as may be required to humanely

  4  and safely keep the animal during any hearing process or

  5  appeal procedure. If an owner does not pay any required

  6  boarding costs, the animal control authority may euthanize the

  7  animal and obtain reimbursement from the owner. In addition,

  8  if the owner of the dog had prior knowledge of the dog's

  9  dangerous propensities, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard

10  for such propensities under the circumstances, the owner of

11  the dog is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree,

12  punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

13         (3)  If a dog that has previously been declared

14  dangerous attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any

15  human, the owner is guilty of a felony of the third degree,

16  punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.

17  775.084. In addition, the dog shall be immediately confiscated

18  by an animal control authority, placed in quarantine, if

19  necessary, for the proper length of time or held for 10

20  business days after the owner is given written notification

21  under s. 767.12, and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious

22  and humane manner. This 10-day time period shall allow the

23  owner to request a hearing under s. 767.12. The owner shall be

24  responsible for payment of all boarding costs and other fees

25  as may be required to humanely and safely keep the animal

26  during any appeal procedure. If the owner does not pay any

27  required boarding costs, the animal control authority may

28  euthanize the animal and obtain reimbursement from the owner.

29         (4)  Except as provided in this act if the owner files

30  a written hearing request appeal under s. 767.12 or this

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  1  section, the dog must be held and may not be destroyed while

  2  the hearing or appeal is pending.

  3         (5)  If a dog attacks or bites a person who is engaged

  4  in or attempting to engage in a criminal activity at the time

  5  of the attack, the owner is not guilty of any crime specified

  6  under this section.

  7         Section 3.  Section 828.055, Florida Statutes, is

  8  amended to read:

  9         828.055  Sodium pentobarbital; Permits for drug use in

10  chemical capture and euthanasia of domestic animals.--

11         (1)  The Board of Pharmacy shall adopt rules providing

12  for the issuance of permits authorizing the purchase,

13  possession, and use of legend drugs, including controlled

14  substances listed in chapter 893, as recommended by the Board

15  of Veterinary Medicine for sodium pentobarbital and sodium

16  pentobarbital with lidocaine by county or municipal animal

17  control agencies state agencies with animal related duties, or

18  humane societies registered with the Secretary of State for

19  the purpose of euthanizing injured, sick, or abandoned or

20  otherwise unclaimed domestic animals that which are in their

21  lawful possession.

22         (a)  County or municipal animal control agencies, state

23  agencies with animal related duties, or humane societies with

24  government contracts for animal control may purchase, possess,

25  and use permitted legend drugs for the purpose of

26  tranquilizing or sedating and euthanizing injured, sick,

27  abandoned, or otherwise unclaimed animals that are in their

28  lawful possession, and for chemical immobilization of animals

29  when other methods of capture are ineffective or impractical.

30         (b)  Humane societies without government contracts for

31  animal control may purchase, possess, and use permitted legend


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  1  drugs only for the purpose of tranquilizing or sedating and

  2  euthanizing injured, sick, abandoned, or otherwise unclaimed

  3  animals that are in their lawful possession.

  4         (2)  The rules shall set forth a list of legend drugs

  5  permitted for the agencies listed in paragraph (1)(a) and

  6  those listed in paragraph (1)(b) and guidelines for the proper

  7  storage and handling of these legend drugs sodium

  8  pentobarbital and sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine and such

  9  other provisions as may be necessary to ensure that the drugs

10  are used solely for the purpose set forth in this section.

11  The rules shall also provide for an application fee not to

12  exceed $50 and a biennial renewal fee not to exceed $50.

13         (3)(2)  Any county or municipal animal control agency

14  or any humane society registered with the Secretary of State

15  may apply to the Department of Health Business and

16  Professional Regulation for a permit to purchase, possess, and

17  use legend drugs, including controlled substances listed in

18  chapter 893, sodium pentobarbital or sodium pentobarbital with

19  lidocaine pursuant to subsection (1). Upon certification by

20  the board that the applicant meets the qualifications set

21  forth in the rules, the department shall issue the permit.

22         (4)(3)  The board may revoke or suspend the permit upon

23  a determination that the permittee is using legend drugs

24  sodium pentobarbital or sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine

25  for any purpose other than that set forth in this section or

26  if the permittee fails to follow the rules of the board

27  regarding proper storage and handling.

28         Section 4.  Section 828.058, Florida Statutes, is

29  amended to read:

30         828.058  Euthanasia and chemical immobilization of

31  animals dogs and cats.--


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  1         (1)  Sodium pentobarbital, a sodium pentobarbital

  2  derivative, or other agent the Board of Veterinary Medicine

  3  recommends to the Board of Pharmacy for inclusion may approve

  4  by rule shall be the only agents methods used for euthanasia

  5  of animals dogs and cats by public or private agencies, animal

  6  shelters, or other facilities which are operated for the

  7  collection and care of stray, neglected, abandoned, or

  8  unwanted animals.  A lethal solution shall be used in the

  9  following order of preference:

10         (a)  Intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;

11         (b)  Intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;

12         (c)  Intracardial injection by hypodermic needle; or

13         (d)  Solution or powder added to food.

14         (2)  Animals A dog or cat may be sedated tranquilized

15  with an approved and humane agent that the Board of Veterinary

16  Medicine recommends to the Board of Pharmacy substance before

17  euthanasia is performed or when immobilizing animals in order

18  to facilitate capture or control.

19         (3)  Public or private agencies, animal shelters, or

20  other facilities that are operated for the collection and care

21  of stray, neglected, abandoned or unwanted animals are not

22  permitted to use succinylcholine chloride, curare, curariform

23  mixtures, any substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking

24  agent, or a chamber which causes a change in body oxygen may

25  not be used on animals a dog or cat for any purpose. However,

26  whenever an emergency situation exists which requires the

27  immediate euthanasia of an injured, diseased, or dangerous

28  animal, a law enforcement officer, a veterinarian, or an agent

29  of a local animal control unit or the designee of such an

30  agent may humanely destroy the animal, as provided in s.

31  828.05.


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  1         (4)(a)  Euthanasia shall be performed only by a

  2  licensed veterinarian or an employee or agent of a public or

  3  private agency, animal shelter, or other facility that is

  4  operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected,

  5  abandoned, or unwanted animals, provided the employee or agent

  6  has successfully completed a 16-hour euthanasia technician

  7  certification course. The curriculum for such course must be

  8  approved by the Board of Veterinary Medicine and must include,

  9  at a minimum, the pharmacology, proper administration, and

10  storage of euthanasia solutions; federal and state laws

11  regulating the storage and accountability of euthanasia

12  solutions; euthanasia technician stress management; and proper

13  disposal of euthanized animals.  An employee or agent

14  performing euthanasia before October 1, 1993, must obtain

15  certification by October 1, 1994.  An employee or agent who

16  begins performing euthanasia on or after October 1, 1993, must

17  obtain certification before performing any euthanasia.

18  However, a certified veterinarian technician who is an

19  employee or agent as defined in the subsection, may perform

20  euthanasia without completing the certification course

21  required by this subsection. Euthanasia must be performed in a

22  humane and proficient manner.

23         (b)  Chemical immobilization shall be performed only by

24  a veterinarian, certified veterinary technician, employee of a

25  state agency with animal related responsibilities, animal

26  control personnel, or personnel from a humane society that is

27  registered with the Secretary of State and has a government

28  contract for animal control. Except for veterinarians or

29  certified veterinary technicians, all other persons performing

30  chemical immobilization must have successfully completed a

31  16-hour chemical immobilization certification course. The


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  1  curriculum for such course must be approved by the Board of

  2  Veterinary Medicine and must include, as a minimum, the

  3  pharmacology, proper administration, record keeping, and

  4  storage of chemical immobilization solutions; chemical

  5  immobilization technology; animal behavior; postimmobilization

  6  procedures; and marksmanship training.

  7         (5)(b)  No animal dog or cat may be left unattended

  8  between the time euthanasia procedures are first begun and the

  9  time death occurs, nor may its body be disposed of until death

10  is confirmed by a qualified person. In the case of chemical

11  immobilization, no animal may be left unattended between the

12  time of chemical immobilization and return to sternal

13  recumbency.

14         (6)(5)  The state attorney may bring an action to

15  enjoin any violation of this act.

16         (7)(6)  Any person who violates the provisions of this

17  act is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable

18  as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

19         Section 5.  Subsection (3) is added to section 828.03,

20  Florida Statutes, to read:

21         828.03  Agents of counties, societies, etc., may

22  prosecute violators.--

23         (3)  Any agent appointed after July 1, 2001, under this

24  section shall successfully complete the 40 hour minimum

25  standards training course required by s. 828.27(4)(a)1. within

26  1 year of appointment. If such agents utilize devices to

27  chemically immobilize an animal, they must complete the 16

28  hours of training required by s. 828.27(1)(b). They shall also

29  be required to comply with s. 828.27(4)(a)3. regarding

30  postcertification continuing education training. Any agent who

31


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  1  was appointed prior to July 1, 2001, under this statute is not

  2  required to complete the minimum standards training course.

  3         Section 6.  Subsections (2) and (3), paragraph (a) of

  4  subsection (4), paragraph (b) of subsection (7) of section

  5  828.073, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

  6         828.073  Animals found in distress; when agent may take

  7  charge; hearing; disposition; sale.--

  8         (2)  Any law enforcement officer or any agent of any

  9  county or municipality or of any society or association for

10  the prevention of cruelty to animals appointed under the

11  provisions of s. 828.03 may:

12         (a)  Lawfully take custody of any animal found

13  neglected or cruelly treated by removing the animal from its

14  present location, or

15         (b)  Order the owner of any animal found neglected or

16  cruelly treated to provide certain care to the animal at the

17  owner's expense without removal of the animal from its present

18  location,

19

20  and shall forthwith petition the county court judge of the

21  county wherein the animal is found for a hearing, to be set

22  within 30 days after the date of seizure of the animal or

23  issuance of the order to provide care and held not more than

24  15 days after the setting of such date, to determine whether

25  the owner, if known, is able to provide adequately for the

26  animal and is fit to have custody of the animal.  The hearing

27  shall be concluded and the court order entered thereon within

28  60 days after the date the hearing is commenced. No fee shall

29  be charged for the filing of the petition.  Nothing herein is

30  intended to require court action for the taking into custody

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  1  and making proper disposition of stray or abandoned animals as

  2  lawfully performed by animal control agents.

  3         (3)  The officer or agent of any county or municipality

  4  or of any society or association for the prevention of cruelty

  5  to animals taking charge of any animal pursuant to the

  6  provisions of this section shall have written notice served,

  7  at least 5 days prior to the hearing set forth in subsection

  8  (2), upon the owner of the animal, if he or she is known and

  9  is residing in the county where the animal was taken, in

10  conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to

11  service of process.  The sheriff of the county shall not

12  charge a fee for service of such notice.  If the owner of the

13  animal is known but is residing outside of the county wherein

14  the animal was taken, notice of the hearing shall be by

15  publication in conformance with the provisions of chapter 49.

16         (4)(a)  The officer or agent of any county or

17  municipality or of any society or association for the

18  prevention of cruelty to animals taking charge of an animal as

19  provided for in this section shall provide for the animal

20  until either:

21         1.  The owner is adjudged by the court to be able to

22  provide adequately for, and have custody of, the animal, in

23  which case the animal shall be returned to the owner upon

24  payment by the owner for the care and provision for the animal

25  while in the agent's or officer's custody; or

26         2.  The animal is turned over to the officer or agent

27  as provided in paragraph (c) and a humane disposition of the

28  animal is made.

29         (7)  In any case in which an animal is offered for

30  auction under the provisions of this section, the proceeds

31  shall be:


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  1         (b)  Applied, secondly, to the care and provision for

  2  the animal by the officer or agent of any county or

  3  municipality or of any society or association for the

  4  prevention of cruelty to animals taking charge.

  5         Section 7.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) and

  6  paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section 828.27, Florida

  7  Statutes, are amended to read:

  8         828.27  Local animal control or cruelty ordinances;

  9  penalty.--

10         (1)  As used in this section, the term:

11         (b)  "Animal control officer" means any person employed

12  or appointed by a county or municipality who is authorized to

13  investigate, on public or private property, civil infractions

14  relating to animal control or cruelty and to issue citations

15  as provided in this section.  An animal control officer is not

16  authorized to bear firearms arms or make arrests; however,

17  such officer may carry a device to chemically subdue and

18  tranquilize an animal, provided that such officer has

19  successfully completed a minimum of 16 hours of training in

20  marksmanship, equipment handling, safety and animal care, and

21  can demonstrate proficiency in chemical immobilization of

22  animals as outlined in s. 828.058(4) in accordance with

23  guidelines prescribed in the Chemical Immobilization

24  Operational Guide of the American Humane Association. In

25  addition, with approval of the local governing authority, an

26  animal control officer may carry a legal firearm other than a

27  handgun in the official conveyance when such firearm is

28  carried solely for the lawful use outlined in s. 828.05(3) and

29  provided that such officer has successfully completed a

30  state-approved gun safety course and the euthanasia

31  certification course outlined in s. 828.058(4)(a).


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CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    CS for CS for SB 2058                          First Engrossed



  1         (4)(a)1.  County-employed animal control officers

  2  shall, and municipally employed animal control officers may,

  3  successfully complete a 40-hour minimum standards training

  4  course. Such course shall include, but is not limited to,

  5  training for: animal cruelty investigations, search and

  6  seizure, animal handling, courtroom demeanor, and civil

  7  citations. The course curriculum must be approved by the

  8  Florida Animal Control Association. An animal control officer

  9  who successfully completes such course shall be issued a

10  certificate indicating that he or she has received a passing

11  grade.

12         2.  Any animal control officer who is authorized prior

13  to January 1, 1990, by a county or municipality to issue

14  citations is not required to complete the minimum standards

15  training course.

16         3.  In order to maintain valid certification, every 2

17  years each certified county-employed animal control officer

18  shall complete 8 4 hours of postcertification continuing

19  education training. Such training may include, but is not

20  limited to, training for: animal cruelty investigations,

21  search and seizure, animal handling, courtroom demeanor, and

22  civil citations.

23         Section 8.  This act shall take effect upon becoming a

24  law.

25

26

27

28

29

30

31


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CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.