300.04 use storage control maintenance of chemical delivery projectors conventional firearms

Number: 300.04
SUBJECT: USE, STORAGE, CONTROL & MAINTENANCE OF CHEMICAL
DELIVERY PROJECTORS & CONVENTIONAL FIREARMS
Page: 1
Date: 11/06/92
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 12/17/13
I. PURPOSE
1. To provide for the successful restraint, capture, and euthanasia of animals.
2. Prevention of unnecessary trauma to animals.
3. Supervisory control of the use and distribution of drugs by the Clinic Veterinarian.
4. To provide the maximum veterinary support for the safe recovery of animals from the
trauma and injection of drugs.
II. POLICY
All actions involving the use of a chemical delivery projector or conventional firearm must be
in compliance with existing policy statements addressing euthanasia or the use of a drug or any
other prescribed chemical. The operator of the chemical delivery projector or any conventional
firearm is in complete charge and is responsible for any act undertaken in the field that involves
the use of such equipment. It is important to note that when a chemical delivery projector or
conventional firearm is to be used, the presence of an additional officer is required unless
specific permission is granted by the person authorizing the projector/firearm use.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all Animal Control Officers (ACO) authorized and certified to use chemical
delivery projectors or conventional firearms as outlined in Orange County Codified Ordinance
Section 4-1-32, Firearms Authorized.
IV. FORMS
Capture Gun and Firearm Discharge Report
Supplemental Investigation Report
Firearm Sign Out/In Log
Field Telazol Disposition Record
Emergency Animal Treatment Record (EATR)
V. REFERENCES
Orange County Codified Ordinance Section 4-1-32, Firearms Authorized.
Palmer Chemical & Equipment Co, INC
Penal Code 830.9
OC Animal Care Chemical Capture Manual
OC Animal Care Policy and Procedure 200.20
OC Animal Care Policy and Procedure 300.26

Number: 300.04
Page: 2
Date: 11/06/92
VI. DEFINITIONS
A. Firearms as referred to by OC Animal Care are described as follows:
1. County issued 12 gauge shotguns.
2. Any County issued and approved firearm of any caliber or gauge utilized by an
authorized ACO for programmed euthanasia of animals.
B. Chemical delivery projectors and immobilization equipment referred to by OC Animal
Care are as follows (NOTE: Pursuant to Penal Code 830.9 Animal Control Officers May
Arrest, Service Warrants: Training Required, the following are considered firearms
under the law):
1. Short range projector
a. Pistol
b. CO2 gas powered
c. Range of 40 feet
2. Long range projector
a. Rifle
b. CO2 gas powered
c. Range of 35 yards
3. Extra long range projector
a. Rifle
b. Powdered gas combustion
c. Range of 90 yards
4. Syringe: consisting of a tailpiece, charge, plunger, barrel, nose plug/needle.
Barrel capacity ranges from 1 cc to 15 cc's.
C. Drugs referred to by OC Animal Care are as follows: any solution, powder, chemical, or
combination of solution, powder, or chemical that is authorized by the OC Animal Care Clinic
Veterinarian for utilization as a tranquilizing agent or as a programmed overdose for euthanasia.

Number: 300.04
Page: 3
Date: 11/06/92
VII. PROCEDURE
A. Inventory
OC Animal Care maintains an inventory of conventional firearms and chemical delivery
projectors. Current inventory consists of the following projectors/firearms:
Description Serial Number
.243 caliber rifle w/scope 770-36634/T3938
12 gauge shotgun 870 W359591M
12 gauge shotgun 870 D153686M
12 gauge shotgun 870 A204370M
12 gauge shotgun 870
W916852M
A004749M
D814778M
T865108V
W842693M
410/22 Savage P154538
410/22 Savage P155827
CO2 long range projector R4717
CO2 long range projector 2061
CO2long range projector 2490
CO2 long range projector
R3735
R14742
R14744
R14746
R14745
R14743
3804
extra long range projector AL260696
extra long range projector AX462023
extra long range projector
NG356724
NU338746
NU338623
NU330623
NU338711
NT329111

Number: 300.04
Page: 4
Date: 11/06/92
B. Storage and Assignment
1. Conventional type firearms and chemical capture projectors shall be stored and
maintained in a keyed security gun safe located in the Gun Storage Room.
2. At the beginning of each shift, an authorized ACO shall sign out projectors and
firearms that they will utilize during their shift on the Firearm Sign In/Out Log.
At the end of their work shift the ACO shall return all projectors and firearms to
their proper storage positions within the keyed security gun safe and sign the
firearm in on the Sign In/Out Log.
C. Inspection
To ensure safety, all firearms are to be inspected immediately upon signing out for use
during the shift and prior to returning the firearm to the Gun Storage Room at the end of
use.
1. All short range, long range, and extra long range chemical delivery projectors
shall be visually checked for syringes by removing the positioner/bolt. The extra
long range’s positioner-adapter shall also be checked to ensure that no powder
charges have been left intact.
2. All shotguns shall be cleared of all rounds and shall be visually and physically
inspected to ensure that no cartridges are left in the firearm. The shotguns shall
be kept with the barrel pointed upward while transporting the firearm.
3. The inspection of the firearm shall be conducted outside of any building,
vehicle, or enclosure to minimize any injuries from an accidental discharge.
4. At all times during an assigned shift, ACO’s with issued firearms shall keep
them unloaded and properly secured in the locked gun racks or trunk of the
vehicle being driven when not in use.
short range projector B14100
short range projector PP2279
short range projector
PP5003
003656
003655
003654

Number: 300.04
Page: 5
Date: 11/06/92
a. When out of the vehicle, the vehicle shall be securely locked and the
ignition keys removed.
b. It is the responsibility of the ACO who has been assigned a firearm, to
immediately report a lost or stolen firearm to the on duty Watch
Commander.
c. The Watch Commander shall then immediately notify the Chief of Field
Services of such lost or stolen firearm, as well as, notifying the
appropriate local law enforcement agency.
D. Utilization
1. Firearms
a. Authorized Use:
(1) The 12-gauge shotgun and the 410/22 Savage may be utilized for
any authorized destruction of an animal pursuant to OC Animal
Care Policy and Procedure 300.26, when destruction is
imperative and all other techniques are impractical or unsafe.
The .243 caliber rifle may be utilized with Watch Commander
approval.
(2) The 12-gauge shotgun and the 410/22 Savage may be used as a
weapon of protection in situations where the Watch Commander
or Field Lieutenant authorizes such use (e.g.: mountain lion
search). The .243 caliber rifle may be used with Watch
Commander approval.
(3) Utilization of a firearm other than OC Animal Care issue is not
permissible. Should the need arise for such assistance, the local
police or sheriff’s department is to be contacted.
b. In all situations, the authorized ACO using a conventional firearm will
direct, and be responsible for, the operation.
c. The ACO shall notify the Watch Commander and/or Field Lieutenant
prior to the anticipated use of the firearm.
2. Chemical Delivery Projectors
The paramount concern in the use of such equipment must be for the safety and
welfare of both human and animal life. The following information is provided as

Number: 300.04
Page: 6
Date: 11/06/92
guidelines that are to be considered in the use of chemical delivery projectors
and conventional firearms.
a. Firearms are to be used only when all practical application of commonly
used animal control methods of capture has proven to be ineffective.
Firearms are to be used only when firing conditions present no hazard to
human life.
b. Firearms are to be used primarily:
(1) To prevent animals from injuring humans (e.g., to capture a
suspect rabid animal and therefore, protect the community from
further contact).
(2) To prevent a life endangering condition affecting humans (e.g., to
capture or euthanize animals on major freeways when the animal
is a clear hazard to human life).
(3) To capture or euthanize an animal which by either temperament
or injury is a risk to the safety of an ACO or the public.
Examples:
(a) A large, inherently dangerous, wild or exotic animal.
(b) An aggressive dog.
(c) A feral dog.
c. The authorized ACO must determine if the use of chemical capture is the
most effective method of capture given the existing circumstances and
that the conditions warrant the use of chemical capture prior to
requesting approval for its use.
E. Chemical Capture Drugs
1. The use of any/all chemical capture drugs must be approved by a Capture
Qualified Watch Commander or Field Lieutenant. Consultation with Veterinary
Services is recommended to assure the proper drug/dosage and the availability
of adequate animal aftercare.
2. Consultation with Veterinary Services shall be made in the following order of
priority/availability:
a. OC Animal Care Clinic Veterinarian

Number: 300.04
Page: 7
Date: 11/06/92
b. Outside Veterinarian, only in the case of exotics requiring to be
chemically captured and the clinic veterinarian is unfamiliar with the
species and/or proper dosing.
c. OC Animal Care Clinic Registered Veterinary Technician
3. The use of any/all chemical capture drugs is under the supervision and
guidelines of the OC Animal Care Clinic Veterinarian. All actions and dosages
must comply with OC Animal Care Veterinary Services’ approved Chemical
Capture Manual. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Use of the proper drug and dosage.
b. Proper injection site.
c. Proper post-injection procedure.
Example - Chemically captured animals should be taken immediately to
the OC Animal Care Clinic. If the animal is suffering physical distress,
the ACO shall render necessary aid and transport the animal to the OC
Animal Care Clinic or a pre-approved outside veterinarian when the
animal is stabilized. The veterinarian of choice will be the OC Animal
Care Clinic Veterinarian on duty.
d. Proper completion of all forms and reports is required.
F. Training
1. Chemical Delivery Equipment
a. Drug Use:
(1) Initial training consists of a minimum of four (4) hours classroom
training in dosage and drug usage. In-service training sessions
will be conducted by OC Animal Care Veterinary Services.
b. Chemical Capture Projector/Firearms:
(1) A minimum of twelve (12) hours training (a total of sixteen (16)
hours combined with drug training) is required to utilize OC
Animal Care's Chemical Capture Projector/Firearms equipment.
In-service training sessions will be conducted by the designated
Field Services Lieutenant.
(2) Annual follow-up training will be scheduled by the designated
Field Services Lieutenant.

Number: 300.04
Page: 8
Date: 11/06/92
c. Firearms:
(1) 12 Gauge Shotgun:
(a) Initial training consists of a minimum of four (4) hours.
In-service training sessions shall be conducted by the
O.C. Sheriff Department and shall be scheduled by the
designated Field Services Lieutenant.
(b) All officers authorized to carry firearms shall be required
to participate in a two (2) hour refresher course every six
calendar months. It is the responsibility of the designated
Field Services Lieutenant to arrange for time and location
of follow-up training.
(3) .243 caliber rifle:
Training in the use of this firearm is at the discretion of Field
Services Supervision.
G. Maintenance
Proper cleaning and general maintenance is necessary for firearms to operate correctly
and safely.
1. It is the responsibility of the operator to maintain firearms and chemical capture
projectors in good repair and clean condition.
2. The firearms and chemical capture projectors shall be cleaned and oiled after
each discharge and shall be cleaned and oiled as needed.
3. Any firearm or chemical capture equipment discrepancies or malfunction shall
be immediately reported in writing, to supervision.
4. All firearms are subject to inspection and all acts of neglect are subject to
corrective action, including progressive discipline.
H. Precautions
At no time will any projector/firearm be left unattended unless unloaded, secured under
lock and key, and within a locked OC Animal Care vehicle.

Number: 300.04
Page: 9
Date: 11/06/92
1. Chemical Delivery Equipment
a. All CO2 gas powered projectors shall be maintained in a cocked position.
After discharge, the projector will be recocked.
b. At all times, the projector will be handled as if it is a loaded firearm.
c. All caution and good judgment afforded a loaded firearm will be
exercised.
2. Conventional Firearms
a. All firearms shall remain unloaded until time of utilization.
b. The firearm shall be maintained with the bolt locked forward and the
safety locked on until ready for utilization.
c. All caution and good judgment afforded a loaded firearm will be
exercised.
I. Euthanasia
When chemical delivery equipment or firearms are used for euthanasia, the specific
reason or justification of the action is required in the details sections of the Capture Gun
and Firearm Discharge Report.
1. All animal fatalities (whether programmed euthanasia or not) will be weighed
for actual weight.
2. Fatalities will be tagged for retention for seventy-two (72) hours. An
identification tag shall indicate the activity number, animal I.D., date, location of
death (major cross streets), and the officer’s name and badge number.
3. Report of the retention will be indicated on the Animal I.D. window and the
Capture Gun and Firearm Discharge Report.
4. Fatalities of wildlife or any owner release animal will not be tagged for retention
unless:
a. The animal is a rabies suspect.
b. The animal has been involved in a bite.
c. Retention is requested by supervision.
NOTE: Wildlife (except skunks) and owner release animals must still be weighed as
stated above.
J. Drug Control

Number: 300.04
Page: 10
Date: 11/06/92
1. It shall be the responsibility of OC Animal Care Veterinary Services to maintain
complete and accurate records pertaining to inventory, location, disposition, and
distribution of all drugs. Records will be subject to inspection by the Director
and/or any of the Director’s designees.
2. All Schedule II drugs shall be maintained in a secure location under the direct
supervision of the Clinic Veterinarian and will be distributed only as specifically
needed.
3. It shall be the operator’s responsibility to maintain security of drugs specifically
assigned to his/her care within their assigned key locked carrying case. He/She
will maintain a current Field Telazol Disposition Record for each bottle of
Telazol used.
K. Documentation
1. An Emergency Animal Treatment Record (EATR) in accordance with OC
Animal Care Policy and Procedure 200.20 shall be completed on all animals
captured as a result of immobilization and transported to an outside veterinary
clinic for treatment/observation. The following items shall be noted on the
EATR:
a. Drug name and dosage.
b. Time length of pursuit.
c. Time of injection.
d. Down time.
e. Point of injection/entry.
2. The Capture Gun and Firearm Discharge Report shall be completed each time
the chemical delivery projector or any firearm is discharged. All sections (refer
to numbered sections on attached sample) are to be completed as follows:
a. Enter the Activity Number.
b. Enter first initial, last name and badge number of shooter.
c. Enter the date the discharge occurred.
d. Enter the time shooter arrived on the scene (expressed in conventional
time)
e. Enter the Animal ID number.
f. Exact address or major cross streets where the discharge occurred.
g. City or community in which the discharge occurred.
h. Briefly explain the reason that the projector/firearm was used.

Number: 300.04
Page: 11
Date: 11/06/92
i. Enter first initial, last name, and badge number of the Watch
Commander or Field Lieutenant approving the capture/euthanasia.
j. Enter first initial, last name and badge number of the officer making the
initial request for capture/euthanasia.
k. Enter the first initial, last name and badge number of officers who
witnessed the capture/euthanasia.
l. If a conventional firearm is utilized, indicate the type used by placing an
“X” in the appropriate box.
m. If a conventional firearm other than a 12 gauge was used, enter the type
of firearm used.
n. If a Capture Gun is utilized, indicate the type by placing an “X” in the
appropriate box. If Other is marked, enter the type of Capture Gun used.
o. If CO2 was utilized, place an “X” in the CO2 box. If a Charge was
utilized, place an “X” in the appropriate box indicating the type.
p. Enter an “X” in the appropriate box to indicate whether the firearm was
cleaned after use.
q. Enter an “X’ in the appropriate box to indicate the type of rounds/darts
fired. If the Other box is marked, enter the type of round/dart used.
r. Enter the number of rounds/darts fired.
s. Enter the distance and direction of the rounds/darts fired (e.g., 45 feet
into the ground, 25 feet into an embankment, 45 feet across an open
field, etc.).
t. Enter an “X” in the appropriate box indicating which drug was utilized.
If Other is marked, enter the type of drug utilized.
u. Enter an “X” in the appropriate box indicating which dose rate was
utilized. If Other is marked, enter the specific dose rate utilized. (e.g. 4
mg per lb.).
v. Enter the total number milligrams injected into the animal.
w. Indicate the concentrate of drug used.
x. Enter an “X” in the appropriate box indicating the route of injection. If
the route of injection is other than intraperitoneal or intramuscular, mark
the Other box and indicate the location where the dart penetrated the
body in the space provided (e.g.: lung, neck).
y. Enter the conventional time the animal was given the injection and
circle AM or PM.
z. Enter the time the animal was actually captured.
aa. Enter the total time elapsed from the time of injection to time of
recovery.
bb. Enter the species of the animal upon which the projector/firearm was
utilized.

Number: 300.04
Page: 12
Date: 11/06/92
cc. Enter the approximate age of the animal.
dd. Enter the breed of the animal.
ee. Indicate the coloration of the animal.
ff. Indicate the animal’s physical condition (e.g.: fair, good, or excellent).
gg. Enter the animal’s estimated weight in pounds as determined in the field.
hh. Enter the actual weight in pounds once weighed upon examination.
ii. Enter the animal owner’s complete name, if known.
jj. Enter the complete address of animal owner, if known.
kk. Enter the area code and telephone number of animal owner, if known.
ll. Enter the veterinarian’s name that treated the animal.
mm. Enter the date of treatment.
nn. Enter the conventional time the animal was delivered to the veterinarian
and circle AM or PM.
oo. Indicate the location of the veterinarian by marking an “X” in the
“OCAC” box if the animal was treated at the OC Animal Care Clinic or
the complete address of any other veterinary facility that was utilized.
pp. Enter the veterinarian’s telephone number if an outside veterinarian was
utilized.
qq. Enter the veterinarian’s preliminary diagnosis.
rr. Enter an “X” in the appropriate box to indicate the disposition of the
animal. If the Other box is marked, provide an explanation in the space
provided.
ss. Using the diagrams provided, place an asterisk at all points of entry or
injection upon the body of the animal.
tt. Use this space to provide additional information concerning the incident.
Additional information will include, but not be limited to:
(1) Number of darts fired that were not recovered.
(2) A brief description of the attempt to recover dart(s).
(3) Pertinent information concerning the call.
uu. The shooter is to sign their name.
vv. The shooter will enter their job title by rank.
ww. The shooter will enter the date the report is completed.
xx. The Lieutenant reviewing the report will sign their name.
yy. The Lieutenant reviewing the report will enter their job title by rank.
zz. The Lieutenant reviewing the report will enter the date of review.
aaa. The Lieutenant reviewing the report will enter any comments they may
have regarding the operation and/or report.

Number: 300.04
Page: 13
Date: 11/06/92
L. Form Distribution
The Capture Gun and Firearm Discharge Report shall be completed as soon as is
practical after transporting the animal to OC Animal Care or an outside veterinary
clinic, but no later than the end of the work shift.
1. The Capture Gun and Firearm Discharge Report shall be submitted to the
shooter’s immediate supervisor for review.
2. After supervisory review, the report shall be submitted to the designated Field
Lieutenant in charge of the Firearms Program.
3. After the final Lieutenant review, the report shall be filed for record keeping
purposes.
4. Questions or discrepancies regarding drug usage should be discussed with the
staff veterinarian. Likewise, if the staff veterinarian has any questions or
concerns regarding the health of the animal in question, they will contact Field
supervision to review the Capture Gun and Firearm Discharge Report.

300.04 use storage control maintenance of chemical delivery projectors conventional firearms

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (17)

Similar to 300.04 use storage control maintenance of chemical delivery projectors conventional firearms

Similar to 300.04 use storage control maintenance of chemical delivery projectors conventional firearms (20)

More from No Kill Shelter Alliance

More from No Kill Shelter Alliance (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

300.04 use storage control maintenance of chemical delivery projectors conventional firearms