BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Bay Minette Police Department’s animal control officer headed to Mobile recently to learn about disease management of, behavior of and cruelty to farm animals.

On June 30, Officer Gina Jones attended Animal Agriculture 101 by the Alabama Coalition for Farm Animal Care and Well-Being in Mobile. The one-day class offered lessons on identification, basic body condition, food and shelter for dairy, equine, beef, swine, sheep and goats, according to the class’ flier. In addition, the session also covered animal behavior and handling, media and the humane officer, evaluating animal health and basic biosecurity and the role of the Alabama Department of Agriculture.

Jones said in a telephone interview that she learned what to wear and how to clean her truck and equipment after possible contaminations. For example, she said, wearing a thin, plastic body suit and duct taping plastic bags over shoes could stop the spread of farm-animal diseases.

“You have to prevent mud and soil getting in the sole of your shoes,” she said. “Suit up, and make sure you have the proper equipment in case of diseases.”

According to Jones, the training also taught her to recognizing over- and under-nourished animals. In addition, she said, the animal-behavior portion of the class was helpful.

As previously reported, the Bay Minette City Council approved funding for Jones to attend the $15 course when it met in June.