TRAINING COURSES.

(a) The department shall prescribe the standards and curriculum for basic and continuing education animal control courses. The curriculum for both the basic and continuing education courses must include the following topics:

(1) state laws governing animal control and protection and animal cruelty;

(2) animal health and disease recognition, control, and prevention;

(3) the humane care and treatment of animals;

(4) standards for care and control of animals in an animal shelter;

(5) standards and procedures for the transportation of animals;

(6) principles and procedures for capturing and handling stray domestic animals and wildlife, including principles and procedures to be followed with respect to an instrument used specifically for deterring the bite of an animal;

(7) first aid for injured animals;

(8) the documentation of animal cruelty evidence and courtroom procedures;

(9) animal shelter operations and administration;

(10) spaying and neutering, microchipping, and adoption;

(11) communications and public relations;

(12) state and federal laws for possession of controlled substances and other medications; and

(13) any other topics pertinent to animal control and animal shelter personnel.

(b) In prescribing the standards and curriculum of courses under this chapter, the department shall:

(1) determine what is considered satisfactory completion of a course;

(2) determine what is considered a passing grade on any postcourse tests and practical applications; and

(3) require that a person attend all sessions of a course.

(c) A basic animal control course must be at least 12 hours.

(d) In developing and approving the criteria and curriculum for animal control courses, the department shall consult with the Texas Animal Control Association and other animal control and animal protection organizations as the department considers appropriate.