Jurisdictions

Inhumane Treatment of Animals

Morton County Soil Conservation District

January 14, 2014 Susan Keller DVM

ND State Veterinarian

Various Levels of Jurisdiction

Federal-maximum amount of time animals are allowed to be hauled on trucks

State- NDCC 36-21.1 and NDCC 36-21.1 and 21.2

Local - Law Enforcement and County Commissioners

Proprietary/ business requirements

(Recommendations versus Requirements )

Jurisdiction

Merriam-Webster definition:

1:  the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law

Ex. -The court has jurisdiction over most criminal offenses.

Regulations and PoliciesFederal Regulations

Slaughtering plant regulations-Humane handling and euthanasia standards

State regulations-New section within NDCC §36 (NDCC 36-21.2) -

provides definitions for various forms of inhumane treatment and provides guidance to local law enforcement

ND State Board of Animal Health’s policy for the state veterinarian’s office in responding to complaints

Comprehensive Law for Animals

Animal Sanctuary

October snowstorm in the Dakotas

Exigent Circumstances-no water-no food-weather conditions-cannibalism-other

May need to quickly access or remove animals

Board of Animal Health PolicyIt is the policy of the Board of Animal Health to

consult with and defer to the local law enforcement, state’s attorney or county commission regarding determinations of probable cause and exceptions to the search warrant requirement in cases where the Board of Animal Health, the State Veterinarian, or the State Veterinarian’s staff receive an anonymous complaint regarding the health of domestic animals or nontraditional livestock of this state.

December 2013

Investigation ReportsMay include the following information –

body condition scoresage of the animalsassessment of the feed quality and amount fed if knownnecropsy information if carcasses available lab information that may indicate emaciation or disease

process

*Recommendations may be offered*Follow up inspections may be needed to determine if the condition of the animals has improved

Guidance Documents and StandardsBest Management Practices and Good Stewardship

Quality Assurance programs- requirements to be met as a participant- ie. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) programs

American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA)-Animal Welfare Division – 2006

OIE – Animal Welfare Standards – trade

Questions?