Delaware General Assembly

Signed 7/31/14

The General Assembly has ended, the current status is the final status.

4/29/14

Jaques

Sen. Blevins, McBride, Peterson
Rep. K. Williams

Sen. Bushweller, Cloutier, Poore, Townsend
Reps. Baumbach, Gray, Hudson, Kowalko, Miro, Potter, Ramone, M. Smith, Smyk, D.E. Williams, Wilson

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 9, 11, AND 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ANIMALS.

During hearings of the Animal Welfare Task Force, established by Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 in the 146th General Assembly, members of the public expressed serious concern about the lack in standardized training and certification of Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and Animal Cruelty Agents (ACAs). ACOs and ACAs in the State of Delaware carry out law enforcement duties, such as issuing warrants, citations, and seizing evidence, yet they are not currently required to have any uniform training and certification. The Animal Welfare Task Force recommended that the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare develop and implement statewide training and certification of ACOs and ACAs. This will promote safety of the public, officers and animals, reduce the possibility of having inadequately trained officers carrying out law enforcement duties, and enhance consistency in service among agencies. This Act is based upon those recommendations. This Act does not change the animal cruelty standards or investigative authority currently in the Delaware Code. This Act becomes effective upon final publication of the regulations by the Department of Health and Social Services.

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Takes effect upon being signed into law

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