The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced in a recent press release that it will host its annual humane officer training Sept. 18–22 in Madison. Registration is required by Sept. 12 and is available online.
DATCP hosts the 40-hour training in partnership with the University of Missouri–Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute. The training 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 have 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.
More information on DATCP’s Humane Officer Program can be found here.
