Lexington, KY (March 12, 2019) – The Kentucky Horse Council’s Livestock Investigation Training is back this spring and will be held at two locations across Kentucky, Western Kentucky University and Morehead State University.  Registration for both trainings is now open to all county and state officials, such as Animal Control Officers, Sheriffs, and Police Officers.  

Developed by the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) in partnership with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) with input from experienced enforcement officers, veterinarians, and livestock producers, this three-day course is tailored to the needs of the Commonwealth.  The curriculum was updated in 2017 to keep up with changing animal welfare laws and standards. 

The Western Kentucky University training is a Level 1 training, where attendees will learn how to handle horses and cattle, assess body condition score in both species, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. Attendees will gain hands-on experience to best prepare them for cases in the field.  The Western Kentucky training will be held May 8-10, 2019.  The Morehead State training is a Level 2 training, where attendees will take what they learned at the Level I training and further their knowledge of difficult animal behavior, assess body condition scores, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. Attendees also practice handling and evaluating live horses and livestock as well as examining Kentucky statutes and enforcement procedures.  This training also focuses on small ruminants and swine in addition to horses and larger livestock.  The Level 2 training will be held May 27-29, 2019 at Morehead State University.

“We are excited to be offering both levels of the Livestock Investigation Training this year,” said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. “These trainings fill a vital need for education of peace officers on animal abuse and neglect cases in the Commonwealth.  We had a lot of positive feedback offering this training in the Western portion of the state and we are thankful for the opportunity to educate officials across the Commonwealth to help these animals.”

Peace Officers attending the training are eligible for Continuing Education Units through the Department of Criminal Justice Training.

Cost to attend the three-day training is $150 per officer. Out-of-state officials may attend at $250 per officer. Limited scholarships for tuition are available.

For more information, to register for the class, or for partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org, or contact the Kentucky Horse Council at 859-367-0509 or info@kentuckyhorse.org.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a 501©3 non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits.  The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs.

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