Arkansas Standards for Animal Shelters



Introduction

I

There are many problems that shelters must face on a daily basis which have nothing directly to do with animals.  For most shelters there is never enough funding, trained personnel, space, time, positive community attitude, active community support, et al.  When animal problems such as: indiscriminate and over- breeding; not enough homes; ineffective, insufficient and unenforced municipal, state and federal laws; disease control; bite cases; cruelty investigations; etc. are added, the problems appear to be unending and overwhelming.  However, there is also a strong basis for great hope.  Surveys of shelters throughout the United States in 1991 showed that we are no longer euthanizing 20 million healthy animals per year, the total seems to be closer to 5-7 million.  Strict licensing laws which have higher fees for unaltered animals, breeding bans, careful screening of potential adopters and support activities for new owners are changing public attitudes and behavior toward animals and shelters.  Even names are changing, in many places Animal Control has become Animal Services which better reflects the function a shelter actually performs (or should be performing).

This booklet has two parallel sets of instructions.  The first concerns procedures that a shelter must follow to be in compliance with existing laws and standards and provide the minimum necessary humane treatment for the animals.  Failure to meet these standards may result in civil and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment for those responsible for the shelter.  The second concerns procedures and suggestions that shelters should follow to ensure a successful program, encourage community participation and support, and provide exemplary humane treatment of the animals.

It is important that everyone concerned with the operation of a shelter, whether paid or volunteer, administrator or staff, Humane Society board or Animal Services advisory board member, own or have easy access to a copy of these shelter standards and be familiar with them.

The problems that shelters and animals face cannot and will not be solved by any national organization.  They will be solved by the creative ideas and innovative programs which you develop for your community and share with everyone else.  All of the great humane changes, new ideas, methods and programs that have helped animals and animal people have come from local shelter staffs, public and private, trying to solve a problem in their communities.

II.

The following are minimum industry standards for the operation of all animal shelters, including kennels and catteries, whether public or private, in the state of Arkansas.  These industry standards are accepted by Arkansans For Animals, Arkansas State Animal Control Association, Arkansas Department of Epidemiology, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Humane Alliance American Humane Association, and the Humane Society of the United States.  These standards also comply with or exceed all federal animal regulations.

Industry standards are used to clarify the general terms of state animal anti-cruelty laws.  Animal care standards are established for the protection of animals, but also for the benefit and protection of any agency or government, private or public, whose purpose it is to impound, provide care, animals.  

Animals in the permanent custody of an individual are defined, in part, as personal property by Arkansas State Law, and as such, it is important that their health and safety be maintained while in the custody of any impoundment agency.1  Failure to do so may result in legal action against the agency responsible for their care.

An animal shelter is a "public facility", even if privately operated, and should be maintained in an attractive and convenient manner for the community.  Most important, it should be a place of safety and comfort for the animals and the shelter staff.  The number of animals coming into the shelter annually will generally equal 7% to 10% of the human population in the area served, whether the area is urban, suburban or rural.  The following chart uses this formula:




Population            Minimum Kenneling Needed for Numbers of
                    Animals to be Handled at Any Time

Under   -   50,000:         0 -     40 Dogs & Puppies         0 - 20 Cats & Kittens
 50,000 - 100,000:        50 -    75 Dogs & Puppies        20 - 30 Cats & Kittens
100,000 - 200,000:        75 -   100 Dogs & Puppies        30 - 35 Cats & Kittens
200,000 - 300,000:        100 - 120 Dogs & Puppies    35 - 40 Cats & Kittens
300,00 and up:        120 - 150 Dogs & Puppies    40 - 50 Cats & Kittens

In general, the cost of operating a municipal shelter will be about$8.00 per capita per year.  This cost may or may not be fully recovered by differential pet license fees, impoundment fees, citation fines, boarding and redemption fees, quarantine fees, adoption fees, and private donations.




General Goals And Principles

1.    An Arkansas shelter2 exists to humanely shelter unwanted, abandoned, stray, and impounded domestic animals until such time as they can be returned to the person with legal custody of the animal, placed in an appropriate and responsible home, or, when necessary, humanely euthanized.  While in the custody of the shelter, the animals must be cared for in such a way as to minimize stress, protect them from the elements, and provide a place of safety and comfort.3

2.    No animal will be released for any purpose other than to return it to the person having legal custody or a qualified adopter.  Under no circumstances may an animal be used in biomedical research or any other forms of experimentation, testing or training.  It destroys public trust.

3.    Adoption from an Arkansas animal shelter is restricted to individuals who clearly demonstrate they will be responsible and humane custodians of the animal and can provide appropriate care.

4.    Adopters must be legally bound to spay or neuter any adopted cat or dog.  Any other animal adopted, such as  rabbit, guinea pig, pot bellied pig, horse, etc., must also be spayed or neutered if possible.  Spaying and neutering should be performed before the animal leaves the shelter for its new home.

5.    A humane method of euthanasia - as defined by ASACA, AHA, AVMA, HSUS and AFA - for unwanted, unadopted, sick or injured animals is required of all Arkansas Animal Shelters, and must be administered by certified, trained and competent personnel.  At present, lethal injection with approved drugs is the only acceptable method of euthanasia.

6.    Each Arkansas shelter has a responsibility to conduct a continuous and effective humane education program to motivate responsible behavior toward animals, cultivate a sensitivity to their needs, improve conditions for animals in the community, and encourage respect for the dignity and worth of all creatures.  Educating the public on the need for the sterilization of all pets and necessary animal immunizations must be included.  Use of the sheltering facility for educational purposes, and periodic evaluation of its programs will ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives.  There should be programs for all shelter staff, including the director and all administrative staff, as well as programs for the general public served by that shelter.  Development of outreach programs to schools and civic groups should be a priority for all education programs.  

7.    Each Arkansas shelter will conduct a continuous animal rescue service program. If one is also provided by another agency in the community, the shelter will support the other agency's work as needed.

8.    Each Arkansas shelter will conduct an effective cruelty investigation program with trained investigators.  If another agency in the community also provides one, the shelter will support the other agency's work as needed and share important information.

9.    Each Arkansas shelter shall support, cooperate and work with any other animal agency if asked, if that agency meets humane standards.  If not, ASACA and AFA will assist the agency in changing to meet standards.

10.    Each Arkansas shelter will conform to the best of its ability to the guidelines for shelter policies and shelter operation as set forth herein.  Those shelters below these standards must make concerted efforts to meet them as quickly as possible.

11.    Each Arkansas shelter will keep its board and staff members informed regarding local, state and national animal welfare issues and legislation pertaining to the protection and welfare of animals.


Guidelines for the Operation of an Animal Shelter


Contents Outline


I.   Animal Shelter Plan
     A.    Animal Housing
     B.    Floors
     C.    Walls Between Kennels
     D.    Drainage
     E.    Heating and Cooling
     F.    Gates and Locks
     G.    Dogs
     H.    Cats
     i.    Traffic
II.  Animal Care and Feeding Routine
     A.    Feeding
     B.    Disease Control Guidelines
     C.    Cleaning
     D.     Euthanasia
      E.    Chemical Capture of Animals
      F.    Trapping of animals
III.    Bites
      A.    Animal Officers
     B.       Vehicles
VI.    Livestock & Large Animals
VII.    Records
VIII.    Equipment Lists
IX.    Appendix


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I.   Animal Shelter Plan
    A.     Animal Housing

        1.    Animals should be separated as outlined below to reduce stress on them and to control disease.  Keep these reasons in mind when determining how to separate animals.

        2.    Animals should be separated as follows:

            a.    dogs from cats

            b.    sick or injured animals from healthy animals.  Quarantine and isolation areas are absolutely necessary.

            c.    puppies and kittens from adult animals (unless young are nursing)

            d.    males from females

            e.    aggressive animals from all others (kenneled individually)

            f.    nursing mothers and their young from all others.

    B.     Floors

        1.    Floors must slope toward the drain to prevent the accumulation of water and debris in the runs.

        2.    Floors should be made of concrete that has been sealed to be nonporous or some other nonporous material that can be effectively disinfected.

    C.     Walls Between Kennels

        1.    Walls between kennels should be solid, at least six (6) feet high, and should prevent water and waste material from flowing from kennel to kennel.

        2.    For walls between kennels, use:

            a.    metal (stainless steel or galvanized panels)

            b.    cinder block sealed and painted with epoxy to render nonporous

            c.    tile or glass block.
                                    
                                   d.    plate glass (easy to disinfect and may control barking because animals can see each other).

        3.    Do not use:

            a.    wood: surfaces or structures, because they are porous and cannot be properly disinfected.

            b.    metal barrels, cars, refrigerators or freezers, and the like - forbidden by The Federal Animal Welfare Act.
    
            c.    Under no circumstances may any animal be kept on a wire floor.

    D.     Drainage

        1.    Shelter must have drainage and plumbing adequate to handle the heavy load of daily shelter cleaning.  Both the Arkansas Department of Health  [Sanitation], and the Environmental Protection Agency should be consulted about sewer or septic tank construction and disease prevention.

        2.    Drainage for each run should prevent cross-contamination of other runs from urine or feces.

    E.     Heating and Cooling

        1.    Heating elements imbedded in kennel floors are ideal; the temperature at floor level for infant animals should be at least 75 degrees F; for adult animals 65-75 F.

        2.    Appropriate heating, cooling and humidity control should be in use for the comfort and welfare of the animals, the staff and the visiting public.

        3.    A means of circulating the air must be available in all kennel areas, either exhaust fans or windows that can be opened.  Ideally, the air in the building should be exchanged with outside air 12-15 times per hour.  The quarantine and isolation areas should have a separate ventilation system to avoid the spread of disease.
    F.     Gates and Locks    

        All outside runs should have locks and a surrounding (perimeter) security fence to prevent the unauthorized removal of animals, equipment or supplies (especially restricted drugs).

    G.     Dogs

        1.    No dog or cat may be held on wire flooring.

        2.    The standard kennel size is 4' X 6', or 24 sq. ft., for one animal under 50 lbs.  For dogs over 50 lbs. the standard size is 5' X 10', or 50 sq. ft.

        3.    Dogs confined in cages should be exercised in a fenced enclosure a minimum of 10' in length twice a day or walked at least 20 minutes a day.

        4.    In shared kennels, each animal should have room to stand, lie down, turn around and sit normally away from its own waste; this requires a minimum of 4' X 6'.  A shared kennel 5' X 10' should hold no more than one large, 2 medium, or 3 small breed dogs.

        5.    Enclosures should be equipped as follows:

            a.    Potable water at all times - water containers should be rustproof and should be cleaned and sanitized daily (and always before a new animal is put into the cage or run.)  Water containers should be mounted so animals cannot tip them over or urinate in them.

            b.    Self-feeders, if used, should be mounted so dogs cannot urinate or defecate in them.  Self-feeders, and individual food and water bowls should be cleaned and sanitized daily (particularly before a new animal is put into the cage or run.)  Food should be clean and dry at all times and of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain the animal's normal weight or provide adequate nutrition for a growing infant animal.

            c.    Even with heated floors, beds must be provided.  Cardboard boxes or other non-permanent enclosures that must be changed regularly, or platforms that can be sanitized easily may be used for the beds and blankets or towels that can be sanitized may be used for the bedding.

        6.    Socialization for Dogs

            a.    Dogs shall not be maintained in isolation unless ill or injured, and must not be deprived of daily social interaction with humans (unless dangerous).  Hyperactivity, aggression towards humans and other animals, or withdrawal and depression may be evidence of lack of adequate socialization.

            b.    No animal that is aggressive, overly shy, or has behavioral problems that might lead to injury to humans or other domestic animals may be offered for adoption under any circumstances.  A shelter is legally liable to the injured party if shelter personnel knew or should have known that an animal might be of uncertain temperament.

    H.     Cats

        1.    Cages should follow these guidelines:

            a.    Each should provide an area of 9 sq. ft. (usually 3 X 3 ft.) per adult cat.

            b.    Cat litter pan for each cage.

            c.    Water and dry food available at all times.

            d.    A towel or blanket which can be sanitized should be provided for bedding.

            e.    Cats must not be kept on wire floors.

        2.    Cat rooms should follow these guidelines (cats whose vaccination history is unknown should be vaccinated and then isolated for 10 days for observation before being placed in the cat room.):

            a.    Unaltered males must be separate from females and each other to reduce fighting.

            b.    Nursing mothers must be separate from all others.

            c.    Young kittens must be separate from adult cats (except their mothers).

            d.    A room 10' X 15' should hold no more than 15 adult cats or 20 kittens, and all felines must be vaccinated, sociable and sterilized or too young to be sterilized.  

            e.    Water and dry food must be available at all times, one dish per cat when fresh food is set out.

            f.    Shelves or resting boxes should be available, and cages should be left open for animals preferring to be isolated.

            g.    Aggressive cats must be caged separately from all others.

    I.     Traffic

        1.    Adequate space should be provided for staff to work comfortably and for equipment and records to be stored properly.

        2.    Receiving area must be large enough for the public to bring in, reclaim, or adopt animals comfortably and to keep the animals separated from one another.

        3.    Euthanasia room and dead animal storage should be easily accessible from kennel area; however, the public should not be forced to observe either euthanasia or dead animals being removed from the shelter.  Animal control vehicles should have access to the back of the kennel area for bringing in animals and removing dead animals.

II.     Animal Care and Feeding Routine

    A.    Feeding (see charts in appendix)

        1.    Puppies and kittens, 6 to 12 weeks of age, should be fed a minimum of three (3) times a day.  Puppies and kittens, 12 weeks to 6 months of age should be fed two (2) times a day.  Puppies and kittens 6 months to 12 months should be fed twice per day.

        2.    Adult dogs should be fed once or twice a day according to recommended feeding charts for weight and breed, and dry food may be available to adult cats at all times.

        3.    The food should be clean, dry, palatable, and wholesome.  Only food manufactured for the specific animal being fed and containing the nutritional value recommended by veterinarians for that animal may be used.  Dogs should be fed before 1:00PM in order that feces may be removed before closing so dogs will be in clean runs overnight.

    B.    Disease control should follow these guidelines:

        1.    Have a trained and experienced staff member, a veterinary technician or a veterinarian available routinely to check animals and provide care.  Instruct every staff member to note symptoms of disease or disorder and bring them to the supervisor's immediate attention.

        2.    Check animals daily for the following signs of disease or disorder:
            a.    Lumps or swelling, open and/or suppurating wounds, pus
            b.    Hair loss
            c.    Listlessness, poor appetite, change in behavior
            d.    Vomiting, coughing or sneezing, excessive head shaking, lameness, dragging anus along floor
            e.    Ear, eye or nose discharge; foul smell from ears
            f.    Red or irritated gums, pale gums, loose or brown teeth
            g.    Bloody or runny stool or constipation; change in stool color or odor
            h.    Straining to urinate or defecate, bloody or dark urine, no urine or insufficient urine
            i.    fleas , ticks and constant itching that may indicate mange.

    C.    Cleaning:

        1.    All kennels, cages and runs should be scrubbed with hot water and detergent and disinfectant every day.  Each enclosure should be cleaned and disinfected before a new animal enters.  (Parvosol is effective against most diseases.  Others are available.  Bleach is not recommended as it corrodes.)

        2.    All animals must be put in separate holding areas during cleaning, and not exposed to water or disinfectant or run-off.  Enclosures should be completely dry before animals are returned since water supports bacteria and other pathogens.

    D.    Euthanasia

        1.    Euthanasia must be administered by a veterinarian or staff member certified in euthanasia by the Arkansas State Animal Control Association or other certified program through the Arkansas State Department of Health.

        2.    Among those who are certified, euthanasia should be performed by the most concerned persons on the staff, hopefully on a rotating basis.  The agency should:
            a.    Provide training for staff and regularly review and evaluate staff proficiency and attitude.
            b.    Demonstrate awareness of the extreme stress of this task on those who perform it and make provisions to decrease this stress by all possible means.

        3.    Euthanasia must be by lethal injection of the most acceptable drug for this purpose.
            a.    The drugs must be obtained, used, stored and transported according to applicable local, state and federal laws.
            b.    Carbon monoxide from a gasoline engine is not acceptable.
            c.    Curariform products and high altitude decompression are not acceptable.
            d.    Sodium pentobarbital, with or without Lidocaine, is currently the most acceptable drug.

        4.    Animals should be checked carefully to make certain that all vital signs have stopped or rigor mortis has set in.

        5.    Drug storage and record keeping

            a.    The following requirements shall be met in order for a humane society or animal control agency to be registered or registration renewed to allow the purchase, possession and administration of sodium pentobarbital and other drugs for euthanizing, tranquilizing, sedating, immobilizing, or relieving pain for any injured, sick, homeless or unwanted domestic pets and other animals;

                i.    Storage:  All supplies of drugs shall be kept in a locked cabinet.  Only one key to the cabinet shall be assigned and the person assigned shall be designated in writing.  The assigned person shall be responsible for the security of the drugs.  Such designated person shall allow withdrawal of a drug only to a certified person.  The cabinet must be in a securely locked room with limited access only to appropriate shelter staff;

                ii.    Records:  The following records shall be made at the time of occurrence and shall be maintained for at least three years;

                    (a)    A record of the withdrawal of the drug, signed by both the designated person responsible for the security and the person who takes possession of the drug for administration;

                    (b)    A record of the weight, species of animal and dosage administered for euthanasia or other purpose, signed by the person who administered the drug and by the designated person responsible for security;

                    (c)    A record of all wastage signed by the person administering the drug and the designated person responsible for security;

                    (d)    A weekly record or verification of the stock on hand, minus amount withdrawn for administration, signed by the designated person responsible for security;

                    (e)    A record of the disposal of any expired or unwanted drugs.  Disposal shall be in conformance with federal and Arkansas law;

                iii.    Audits.  The registrant shall submit to random audits or records and analysis of prepared solutions by the State Board of Health or other law enforcement personnel.

            b.    The registration of any humane society or animal control agency who allows an uncertified person to administer any drug shall be suspended or revoked.

            c.    All prescription or controlled drugs must be logged.

            d.    Each drug should have a separate log.

            e.    These records must be permanent, non-erasable, and under no circumstances may white-out, Liquid Paper, or similar substance, be used in any drug log.  The certified euthanasia technician or ACO must record each dosage at the time of use and not rely on memory when euthanizing or treating more than one animal.

            f.    Mobil units must maintain separate drug logs for each unit which carries any drugs.  Drugs must be kept in a locked compartment out of view.

            g.    Drug logs must show the date, species of animal, weight or approximate weight, color and breed are optional - but may be useful, lot and bottle numbers of the drug, dosage taken, dosage used, milliliters or cubic centimeters remaining in the bottle, and the initials of the administrating person or technician.  If a mistake is made, that entry should have a line drawn through it so that it can still be read, and the correct information entered on the next line.  See examples attached.

            h.    Records must also be kept of the quantity and type of each drug purchased or brought into the facility; order forms, invoices and any spilled, evaporated or wasted drug must be recorded.  Failure to account for all drugs may lead to criminal penalties and the immediate revocation and/or suspension of the animal control agency's or humane society's drug registration.

            i.    The use of controlled drugs by an uncertified person, or a person ineligible for certification, without a veterinarian's supervision and written permission is cause for immediate revocation of the humane society's or animal control agency's drug registration and grounds for immediate dismissal of personnel responsible.

        6.    Dead animals may be disposed of by incineration, or burial in a landfill rated by the EPA for such purpose.

    E.    Chemical capture of animals

        1.    Do not use chemical capture until other, less traumatic methods of capture are tried.  If other methods have not been effective or if an immediate solution is necessary, chemical capture with a projectile dart is the method of choice.

        2.    Before chemical capture is used, the shelter director or officer's supervisor will be consulted and chemicals will be used only with the director's or supervisor's approval.  In an emergency when the director or supervisor cannot be reached, or if the situation is so critical that there is no time to contact the director or supervisor (a life is in immediate danger, etc.), the officer will use his/her best judgment remembering that the officer and agency are legally responsible for the decisions made and for any damage done either to an animal or to a member of the public by use of chemical restraint.

        3.    The officer will not be authorized to use chemical restraint until he/she has completed training from an approved certification program.

        4.    All drugs used in chemical restraint will be kept under lock and key and strict controls will be placed on those having access.

        5.    The officer using the drug will record on the Animal Record and in the Drug Log the name of the drug used, the amount, the amount lost in the syringe, the route of administration, and will sign and date the record.  It is the responsibility of the person using the drug to assure proper usage.

        6.    The most available and most commonly used drugs for chemical capture are Ketamine and Xylazine (Rompun).

        7.    It is important to accurately estimate the animal's weight.  Many dosage rates are given in milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg).  Convert pounds to kilograms by dividing the pounds by a factor of 2.2.

        8.    Higher doses will[must] not be used since there is a possibility of depression of respiration and heart rate.  Xylazine can cause cardiac block and decrease the cardiac output by 30%.  The combination of Ketamine and Xylazine increases the myocardial oxygen demand but decreases the blood supply to the heart and decreases the respiration rate.  Use these drugs with caution.

        9.    The animal will be monitored until recovery.  There are several drugs which help reverse the chemical effects of Xylazine.  None are available for Ketamine.  Dopram will increase the respiratory rate and improve breathing.  Its use is indicated if the animal appears in distress.  The officer will carry Dopram in his locked drug kit for use if indicated.

        10.    Under no circumstances should Xylazine (Rompun) be used on cattle without veterinary supervision.  For any animal, other than a dog or cat, contact a veterinarian, wild-life biologist or the Director of the Little Rock Zoo depending on the species, e.g., for all domestic animals contact a veterinarian, for exotic animals (lions, tigers, rhinos, etc., contact the zoo director or zoo veterinarian, for all native wild animals (bears, coyotes, raccoons, etc., contact either a veterinarian or a wild-life biologist.

        11.    Each time a humane officer or ACO uses chemical capture equipment, a review board consisting of the officer's immediate supervisor, the president or president's delegate of ASACA, and a responsible local citizen must be convened to qualify the use of chemical capture.

        12.    Each humane officer or ACO certified for chemical capture must take a recertification examination every three years to maintain certification.  This examination is free.  If the officer fails the examination, the entire course must be retaken.

    F.    Trapping of animals must always be done with humane (non-lethal/non-injurious) traps.  The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared leg-hold or steel-jawed traps to be cruel to animals and these may not be used by any Animal Services, Animal Control, or Humane Society for any reason.  Traps must be checked at least daily in good weather, and much more frequently in bad or hot weather.

III.    Bites

    A.    Under Arkansas law, all dogs and cats must receive a yearly rabies vaccine by a licensed veterinarian; feed store and owner-given vaccines do not meet this requirement.

    B.    When a bite is reported, the victim must first identify the animal.  Once the animal is identified, the owner should be contacted and required to furnish proof of current rabies vaccination.  If the owner provides such proof the animal may be quarantined at home for ten (10) days (this means that the animal must be confined on owner's premises with no contact with people or animals other than resident family).  If the victim objects or if there is no proof of current rabies vaccination, the animal must be confined at either the municipal shelter, a legally incorporated humane society shelter, or a veterinarian's office for ten (10) days at the owner's expense.  If the animal is unvaccinated, vaccination by a licensed veterinarian must be performed before the animal is released to its owner and after the quarantine is ended.

    C.    If the animal is a stray, or cannot be identified or is wild, humane traps should be set in the area for several days and the area should be checked regularly by the officer.  If the animal is caught and identified by the victim, it may either be quarantined by the shelter or at a veterinarian's office for the rest of the ten (10) day period, or, if there is no owner or the animal's condition indicates or the victim requests, the animal may be humanely euthanized and a veterinarian sever the head and send it to the Arkansas Department of Health for examination for rabies.

    D.    If the animal cannot be immediately found, or identified, the victim must be referred to their own physician and/or the Arkansas Department of Health for treatment and possible rabies prophylaxis.

    E.    Officers must remember in pursuing these cases to repeatedly check  up to see that proper procedures are followed.  Failure to do so will result in your agency being held legally liable, particularly in the event someone suffered a serious medical problem or death.

IV.  Animal Officers - Humane Society and City Employees

A.    Certification

        An animal control officer or humane officer must be certified before the end of the second year of employment, by the Arkansas State Animal Control Association, or other qualified entity, such as the Humane Society of the United States, the American Humane Association, or National Animal Control Association.  Pending certification, an animal control officer, in order to obtain 'on the job' training, may serve as apprentice to a certified animal control officer or program approved by the Arkansas State Animal Control Association and Arkansans For Animals, for a minimum period of two weeks in order to become familiar with proper procedures.  Completing this apprenticeship does not mean that the officer is trained.

    B.    Education and Training Requirements

        1.    Entry Level

            a.    high school diploma or its equivalent
            b.    must be certified within two years to remain with Animal Services or as a humane officer
            c.    must be able to recognize and identify different breeds of dogs and cats
            d.    successfully complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education credits per year (cities will need to prepare budgets accordingly).  Persons holding a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education are exempt from the minimum continuing education credits requirement.
            e.    use chemical capture equipment only if certified in its use and certification is maintained
            f.    have knowledge of animal behavior, health care, disease prevention and treatment
            g.    three (3) years of continuous experience with the same agency before being approved for euthanasia certification.  This does not preclude in-house training of certified ACO's under a certified euthanasia technician and veterinarian.
            h.    Each officer must pass a proficiency test every three years to maintain certification.  These tests will be given on  regional basis and are free.  Those who fail must retake the entire Basic Certification course.

        2.    Cruelty Investigator

            a.    minimum of two (2) years of college, or be a senior officer and have been trained by an accredited school of cruelty investigation, or have two (2) years experience working closely with a trained cruelty investigator
            b.    extensive knowledge of rules of criminal procedure and laws
            c.    extensive knowledge of rules of evidence
            d.    extensive knowledge of the anatomy and the physiological, nutritional, behavioral and environmental needs of all species to be investigated.

        3.    Senior Officer, Supervisor, or Director/Humane Society Executive Director or President

            a.    all the qualifications above for Entry Level and Cruelty Investigator.
            b.    two (2) years of college or its equivalent, such as four years of experience and forty (40) hours continuing education credits, with approximately two to three years supervisory and management experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
                i.    knowledge of licensing laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to animal control and humane societies;
                ii.    knowledge of laws governing storage, inventory and usage of Class III drugs;
                iii.    knowledge of the care, physical and environmental characteristics and behavioral traits of domestic animals and wildlife;
                iv.    knowledge of city and/or county street addresses;
                v.    ability to deal appropriately and effectively with the public and to write and speak clearly;
                vi.    ability to plan and organize public awareness programs with regard to animal control and safety;
                vii.    ability to supervise and coordinate the activities of others as required; and,
                viii    possession of valid Arkansas driver's license.
            c.    In general, the animal services supervisor or humane society executive director is responsible for supervising operation of the Animal Shelter and enforcing laws and regulations pertaining to animals; responsible for the operation of the entire Animal Services Division or Humane Society, including, but not limited to supervision of personnel, budget, public awareness and education programs, and the issuance of summons to owners of animals in violation of animal control laws;  also:
                i.    prepares work schedules and payroll time records for all personnel;
                ii.    initiates all personnel action for the Animal Services Division or Humane Society and evaluates employee performance;
                iii.    monitors level of supplies and equipment and processes requests for replacements and/or repairs;
                iv.    completes annual budget for the Humane Society or Animal Services Division field operations and shelter, and monitors budget compliance;
                v.    performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws, issues verbal and written warnings to violators and testifies in court when required;
                vi.    answers calls and patrols as directed to capture and impound stray or nuisance animals, advises owners of animal control laws;
                vii.    directs the cleaning and maintenance of animal shelter facility and assigned vehicles;
                viii    makes disposition of complaints or other calls relative to injured or deceased animals and settles complaints as tactfully as possible, checks licenses and vaccination records;
                ix.    disposes of impounded animals in accordance with applicable laws and procedures; and,
                x.    directly responsible for the storage, inventory and usage of Class III drugs in the Animal Services Division or Humane Society.

V.   Vehicles

    A.    Each shelter should have one or more vehicles for picking up animals, depending on the size of the community.

    B.    The vehicles should provide the animals with safety, security, protection from weather, and adequate ventilation.  Each animal must have a separate enclosure.  Special enclosures should be available for sick or injured animals - these animals require special care and handling as well.  There should be a separate compartment for dead animals.  The minimum acceptable vehicle is a pickup truck with camper top and separate carriers for each animal.  A vehicle with a single caged back for collecting multiple animals is unacceptable.

    C.    The vehicles should be clean and well marked with the agency's name and telephone number.  They should be easy for the driver to load and unload.  Drivers should operate their vehicles safely and with courtesy toward other drivers.

    D.    Vehicles should have the following animal rescue equipment:  dog and cat poles; net; ladder, wire or fiberglass cages; halter; lead and tie ropes; snake hooks; flashlight; tool kit; portable small animal stretcher; heavy gloves; humane dog and cat traps; first aid kits for both animals and humans.  See also appended equipment list.

    E.    Vehicle drivers should be trained and prepared to give emergency care to injured or terminally ill animals.  Euthanasia should not be administered in the vehicle unless the animal is suffering to such a degree that it is in need of immediate relief by euthanasia.  In these cases, unless a driver is certified in euthanasia, he must call a veterinarian to the scene.  A driver must be fully certified in order to carry euthanasia solution and the solution and all other drugs must be kept in a locked compartment.  As part of their job training, a driver certified to euthanize, should obtain guidelines from a veterinarian on how to make this decision (see G under VII. Records).

VI.    Livestock & Large Animals

    A.    Most shelters from time to time must handle large animals in some fashion.  This will usually entail little more than capturing loose livestock on city streets or housing abused animals as evidence for a trial.  However, nearly any shelter for occasional periods of time, or all the time for some shelters because of their location, may be constantly involved with livestock.

    B.    Arkansas has a large body of agricultural law, most of it enforced by state and/or federal agencies established for that purpose.  Animal Services and Humane Societies need to be aware of those sections of agricultural law relating to fencing requirements, transportation, disease control, and nutritional and environmental needs.

        1.    In general, livestock must be held in fences strong enough and of sufficient height to contain the species being kept and in an area large enough to support the number of animals being held.  For those cities which allow large animals and livestock to be kept inside the city limits, the following are the minimum requirements for those animals.

            a.    Fencing should be a minimum height of five (5) feet to protect both humans and animals.

            b.    Chainlink, 2" by 4" twisted wire, board or PVC fencing with openings too narrow to permit access by children or escape by animals are preferred.  Field wire fencing of 8 or 9 gauge wire is acceptable.  The fence may be electrified but may not carry a charge strong enough to injure birds, animals, or children.  Under no circumstances may barbed or razor wire be used as it poses a major danger to all animals and people who come into contact with it.

            c.    Strong chicken wire may be used for poultry.

        2.    Equines, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and any other  creature  may not be tied to a stake in the ground or to a large weighted object.  Horses may not be sold or moved from place to place within Arkansas or across state lines without a current Coggins Test unless they are being taken to slaughter.  See Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission regulations for restrictions and required vaccinations for other livestock.

        3.    Stun guns, cattle prods and other electrical devices should never be used on any animal; using such devices will cause an animal to become agitated and may result in severe injury or death to the animal and/or the officer.  Electric fencing, as previously stated, to contain animals is permissible providing the electrical charge is not sufficient to cause injury to humans or animals.

    C.    Enclosure sizes, barns and sheds

        1.    Horses, mules and cattle:  for horses, mules or cows of 900 pounds or more there must be one-half (½) acre of land for each animal in the enclosed area.  This enclosure must be free of debris such as cars, wire, pieces of metal or any other objects that may injure the animal, it must not contain standing or stagnant water or mud, and it must be cleaned of feces regularly.

        2.    Both horses and cattle must be provided with shelter from inclement weather, heat and cold.  This requires, at a minimum, a three-sided roofed structure, 12' x 12' x 8'(high - may be slightly lower for smaller animals), facing south or southeast, with no material or protruding nails, metal, etc., to injure the animal.

        3.    Supplemental food is required for each animal throughout the year because the area enclosed cannot provide sufficient pasture.

        4.    The one-half (½) acre enclosure is of sufficient size for two calves of 800 pounds or less, or two ponies or donkeys, or two small mules (800 pounds or less), or four (4) miniature horses, or six (6) goats, or four (4) sheep, or three (3) pigs, or five (5) pot bellied-pigs, or reasonable combinations thereof.  The minimum enclosure for any livestock should never be less than one-quarter (¼) acre per animal under 900 pounds, or two animals if of a weight of 400 pounds or less.  For poultry, there should never be more thirty adults per one-quarter (¼) acre.  For enclosures this small, pasture from the enclosure is negligible and all food required to keep the animal(s) healthy must be provided.

        5.    All animals must have access to fresh clean water at all times.

VII. Records (ASACA will provide sample record forms upon request)

    A.    A record should be prepared for every animal that enters the shelter, giving its description and any information about its background that is available.  The record should also include date and area where animal was picked up, circumstances, notes of any vaccinations or special care the animal received, and a record of final disposition and the date.

    B.    The cards should be numbered and filed so that all shelter staff can easily retrieve the information.  There should be no confusion between animals when they are adopted, reclaimed, or euthanized.

    C.    Throughout its stay at the shelter, each animal should wear a collar, or collar and tag, marked with its record number.  If a single animal is kept in a cage or run, the cage may contain this information thus rendering the collar and tag unnecessary.

    D.    All animals should be counted at the start and at the end of the day and the numbers recorded by species in a permanent journal.  Each day, these totals should be balanced against the card records of all animals in the shelter including new intakes, adoptions and euthanasia records.  In the records, animals should be separated by species, sex, and age (adults from those under six (6) months of age).

    E.    Receipts for all donations, impoundment fees and adoption fees should be kept by number and recorded daily, to be balanced against weekly bank deposits.  The financial records of all municipal shelters and IRS 501(c)(3) qualified private shelters are subject to public inspection and audit under federal law.

    F.    Any animal shelter, in order to be effective in its purpose, should instigate an adoption program.  Adoption applications must require responsible pet ownership, and a legally enforceable agreement to spay or neuter the adopted animal.  IT IS A VIOLATION OF ARKANSAS LAW FOR ANY ANIMAL ADOPTED FROM A SHELTER NOT TO BE STERILIZED WITHIN 30 DAYS.  Ideally, spaying and neutering should be done before the animal leaves the shelter.  To assist in this endeavor the American Veterinary Medical Association has endorsed early - 8 to 16 weeks of age - spay/neuter for dogs and cats.

    G.    The Federal Animal Welfare Act, Chapter 7 §2158, requires that any state, county, or city owned and operated shelter; any private entity established for the purpose of caring for animals, such as a humane society, or other organization that is under contract with a state, county, or city that operates as a shelter; shall hold and care for each dog and cat acquired for a period of not less than five days, including a Saturday, to enable such dog or cat to be recovered by its original owner or adopted by other individuals.  If the animal has been relinquished by its owner, it may be immediately euthanized.  The owner should receive a copy of the relinquishment form that states that the owner has no further right to the animal and it may be euthanized at the agency's discretion.