Initial:

  • Surveillance: Stopping off the road and inspecting fences, feeding materials, farm personnel movement (also applies to areas where viruses and other diseases may be stored such as University laboratories, etc.)
  • Sick Animals: Are there people interested in buying or taking sick animals from farmers, laboratories, kennels, etc?
  • Dropping Off Sick or Dead Animals: This is how the terrorist will spread a disease. Check to see if this is a violation of local or county ordinances (you may contact local law enforcement to investigate and/or arrest).

Vehicle Stops:

  • During the vehicle stop look for unusual items or sick animals in the vehicle
  • If there are unusual clothes, uniforms, equipment, documents, weapons, materials which can be used for making weapons, chemicals, pictures, ask about them (look for inconsistencies in the explanation and other answers or circumstances).
  • If vehicle appears to be traveling with other vehicles, ask about the other vehicles, how many, etc.
  • Terrorists would display an unusual desire to restrict observation of the inside of the vehicle, specifically the trunk or storage areas

Destination and Origin of Travel:

  • Attempt to verify responses of all occupants. This might include evidence such as store bags, receipts, pamphlets, ticket stubs, photographic or surveillance equipment, or sketch/note pad. Check dates on receipts or other relevant material if possible.
  • If no evidence is visible or available, ask specific questions regarding the destination or origin. For example: Where did you park? What did you see? What did you like about the area?
  • If the vehicle stop is off the normal route for the destination or origin, ask why they are traveling this route.
  • Terrorists are trained to provide law enforcement officers, with public destinations (especially tourist’s destinations) as an explanation for travel. Examples include, travel to or from shopping centers, grocery stores, or amusement parks.

Animals

The terrorist may decide to attack the food supply system by using an infected dog, cat or other animal. By using an infected animal, the terrorist can keep the virus or pathogen active and growing. In addition vials, containers or other delivery methods are not needed which will aid the terrorist in not being detected or caught (this way they can hide their intentions by saying they didn’t know the animal was infected).

As a law enforcement officer you may be able to use your authority under local or county law to prevent a suspected terrorist from using the animal(s) for agro-terrorism. At the minimum you can contact City or County Animal Enforcement for assistance if you are unsure how to enforce this code/ordinance.

Look for any violation of your local or county code for the following:

  • Poisoning (Has the animal been purposely infected or poisoned? Is there needles or other evidence around to support this fact?)
  • Depriving of sustenance, shelter or medical care (The animal is obviously sick but the suspect says they are going for a drive to Disneyland instead of going to the Veterinarian.)

It’s possible that the terrorist will use more than one animal to carry out the act, use may be able to use the following to assist you.

  • Vehicle Confinement (Lack of food or drink, other circumstances as may be reasonably expected to cause suffering, disability or death )
  • Crating or boxing (Overcrowding any animal in any crate, box, or other receptacle or to fail to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or sanitation to such animal.)
  • Enclosures and restraints (Confining or overcrowding any animal in any cage, coop, crate, box or any enclosure in a cruel or inhumane manner. Look for any signs of cruetly or torture these enclosures or restraints provide.)

Is there more than three dogs or cats? While there are valid exemptions, it may be a violation of local code to for a person to keep more than three dogs over three months of age, nor more than three cats over three months of age, at any one place, or on any premises, or in any one residence located within the jurisdiction of the county with out a license/permit.