(A) Who must complete the humane agent basic training course:

(1) Any person hired but not yet appointed as a humane agent pursuant to section 1717.06 of the Revised Code;

(2) A person serving as a humane agent prior to April 8, 2003, may continue to function as a humane agent until December 31, 2004, after which date he or she must have completed the basic training course, prescribed in this rule, to continue to function.

(B) It shall be clearly understood that the basic training course described in this section is designed as a minimum program. Humane societies are encouraged to exceed this minimum program where possible.

(C) Nothing in this chapter shall limit or be construed as limiting the authority of a humane society to enact rules and regulations which establish a higher standard of training above the minimum level of training required by this chapter.