Monthly Archives: February 2012

Birds Workshop Agenda
Submitted by Rebecca, Colvin

March 6, 2011, 3:30 – 5 PM

Scope of Workshop:

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss specific animal care standards for birds, including poultry and pet birds.

Agenda (allotted times are approximate):

1.      Introductions, ground rules, and scope of workshop. 5 min

2.      OPEN Item:  Housing and cage standards. Pet birds live longer lives than most poultry and the many varieties of species.  Their needs may differ from domestic poultry.  Comments will be taken on cage size requirements pet birds (as opposed to poultry).   One example of another state’s regulations for pet birds is listed below for participants to consider.  20 min

b. bird Cages. Primary enclosures for birds (cages) shall be maintained in good repair and constructed of metal or other water resistant material which can be cleaned and sanitized.

(1) Minimum Space Requirements

a)    The cage must be large enough to provide full body extension without contact with the confines. The cage must be wide enough in at least one direction to accommodate completely stretched wings.

b)    A single well-placed perch may be adequate for Psittacines ie., the bird can stand completely upright on the perch without having the head contact the ceiling of the cage and at the same time not having the tail contact the floor or grate. For those species, such as Finches, Canaries, etc. that prefer flying or jumping to climbing, two perches, one at each end of the cage, must be provided. Perches must be strategically placed to prevent droppings from contaminating other birds and the birds’ food and water and to also prevent the bird’s tail from coming into contact with the food and water.

c)    Minimum space requirements for multiple birds housed temporarily depends on the calculated Housing Density Factor and the overall length of the bird as measured from the tip of the tail to the top of the head.

The following calculation will be used to determine the number of birds that can be housed in a given cage:

L x W x H ÷ Density Factor = total length of birds permitted.

Total length of birds permitted ÷ length of bird = number of birds allowed in that size cage.

Housing Density Factor Table:
Species: Each bird’s overall length (in.)       Density Factor
Finch   3                                                                 60
Parakeet 8                                                             50
Cockatiel  9-12                                                      60
Cockatiel-type     9-12 (heavier body)              75
Amazon        13-24                                               325
Cockatoo     25-35                                               800
Macaw        34-45                                                1400

Cage measurements are based on the actual living space and do not include T-stands or perches attached to the outside of the cage or the space below the cage grate.

d)    For birds housed over 60 days, the Density Factor should be doubled for birds 12 inches in overall length or less. For birds housed over 90 days, the Density Factor shall be doubled for birds 12 inches in overall length or less.

e)    All cage accessories (ladders, toys, perches, etc.) made of unsealed wood shall be cleaned daily and replaced as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions

3.      OPEN Item:  Separate set of standards for pet birds.  At the last meeting, several participants suggested that a separate set of standards for pet birds might be warranted.  The DEC has reviewed many other state regulations and they are typically written to address poultry operations.  Comments are welcome on possible separate standards and how they might differ from the first draft of “poultry oriented” standards.  Any examples of specific rules from other states or regions that participants would like to discuss could be helpful. 20 min

4.      OPEN Item:  Lack of shelter.  Previous comments described problems with birds not being provided adequate shelter from cold.  The poultry and general care standards section of the draft do not yet contain specific verbiage on bird shelter.  One possible approach is to generally require protection from hypothermia, hyperthermia, precipitation, and snow, etc.  Comments are welcome on this topic.    15 min

5.      OPEN Item:  Transportation.  Previous comments and questions discussed general safety during transportation, expected mortality rates for large shipments, and carrier construction to prevent escape.  The Code of Federal Regulations contains no transportation welfare requirements for birds.  It only addresses quarantine facilities.  Other state regulations have been reviewed and a few specifics have been found.  Examples are listed below.  Comments on these approaches and others are welcome.  15 min

·         The density in poultry conveyances must allow the birds to rest at the same time without being forced to rest on top of each other.

·         Subd. 3. Transportation. Birds may be transported only in containers constructed of a smooth, durable material. Containers must:

(a) be suitable for the species being shipped;

(b) be constructed to prevent escape or chewing of the container by the bird that may be injurious to the health of the bird;

(c) have ventilation on only one side to prevent cross drafts;

(d) provide enough space for the bird to stand up, turn around, and obtain necessary food, water, and roosting space;

(e) have fresh food and water available to the bird at all times if the shipping period exceeds four hours.

·         (For all animals):

603-015-0055 Animals in Transit

1)      Pet animals when required to be shipped in crates shall be transported in crates constructed of a smooth, durable material which is easily cleaned and shall:

a.      Have a solid floor which may have a false bottom;

b.      Be so constructed as to provide maximum safety for the particular animal or animals being transported;

c.       Have openings on two sides to assure adequate ventilation;

d.      Crates shall be so constructed that food or water may be put through a small-type door without removing the animal from the crate in order that caretakers may feed and water when required;

e.      Care and feeding instructions should be written out by the shipper and attached to the crate. Other precautions in handling the animal should also be given in case it becomes necessary to move the animal from the crate.

2)      In all cases the crates shall be large enough to provide space for the pet animals to lie down in extended position and to allow ease of movement when standing or turning around. When the temperature is over 85 degrees F., increased space shall be provided to within reason.

3)      The crate shall be cleaned before use for each trip.

4)      Food and water containers shall be cleaned and sanitized before each trip.

5)      If bedding is used it shall be clean, dry, and dust free.

6)      The person or persons responsible for the welfare of the pet animal or animals while in transit shall:

a.      Offer the pet animal food at least once every 24 hours;

b.      Offer all pet animals water at 12 hour intervals at least, except that water shall be offered at four-hour intervals when the temperature reaches 90 degrees F. or above;

c.       Inspect each pet animal at four-hour intervals or oftener.

6.      Open forum for comments on other bird related topics. 10 min

7.      Closing remarks by DEC. 5 min

Ground Rules:

·         Stay on topic.

·         The moderator will select participants to have the floor to speak.  Please do not interrupt a person speaking.

·         State your comments as concisely as possible. There is a time limit of 3 minutes per speaker, although the moderator may allow longer comments when deemed necessary.  After you have spoken, DEC representatives may ask questions that can be answered immediately or may request further information be sent to them later.

·         Be respectful of other participants’ opinions.  It is permissible to voice support for something that another speaker has said; however, in general, the moderator will ask that people giving public comment try not to repeat what may have already been stated by other participants, particularly when stating reasoning behind a position on an issue.

·         Silence cell phones. Take all phone conversations outside.

Workshop Location/Call Information:

All interested Alaska residents are invited to attend workshops by telephone at 1-800-315-6338 (use pass code 8213 when prompted) or in person at the State Environmental Health Laboratory at 5251 Dr. MLK, Jr. Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99507.  If you are unable to attend meetings, feel free to submit your comments to us in writing via mail or email jay.fuller@alaska.gov.

Public Workshop for Proposed Animal Care Standards

Livestock Workshop Agenda
February 27, 2012, 3:30 – 5 PM

Scope of Workshop:

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss specific animal care standards for all livestock, including cattle, swine, small ruminants, elk, reindeer, llamas, zoo animals, etc. Poultry are not included in this meeting.

Agenda (allotted times are approximate):

1. Introductions, ground rules, and scope of workshop. (5 min)

2. Open Items from previous meetings:

A. In Alaska statute 11.61.140 (Cruelty to animals. A person commits cruelty to animals if the person 1) knowingly inflicts severe and prolonged physical pain or suffering on an animal; ….), is the word “person” an individual or can it be an entity?

How do the statutes apply to wildlife, what excludes wildlife? Informational (5 min): State Attorney General informal opinion is below:

In short, “person” means a natural person and, when appropriate, an organization, government, or governmental instrumentality.[1] An “organization is defined as a legal entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, joint stock company, foundation, institution, government, society, union, club, church, or any other group of persons organized for any purpose.[2]

DEC Comment: The proposed regulations are not intended to apply to free ranging wildlife, only domestic animals and captive wildlife. We will ensure that their application is clear under statute. (OPEN)

B. What constitutes “reasonable medical care” (as required by statute)? State Attorney General informal opinion is below:

There is no statutory or regulatory definition relating to animals in Alaska. Again it is suggested that checking other state provisions or model statutes and regulations would help define this. This is a judgment call. What would a reasonable person be expected to do to keep the animal healthy?

For informational purposes, reasonable care as a test of liability for negligence is the degree of care that a prudent and competent person engaged in the same line of business or endeavor would exercise under similar conditions. In these circumstances, a “reasonableness” standard could be defined as using the degree of care, skill, and diligence which is used by ordinarily careful animal caretakers in the same or similar circumstances in his or similar community. Or more simply stated a “standard of conduct that a reasonable person would follow in the same situation.”

DEC Comment: The first draft of the regulations makes no attempt to further define “reasonable medical care”. “Reasonable medical care” is written in statute. We do have the authority to further define the term in regulation; however, in review of other states’ regulations we have not seen more specific language that we feel might be useful. Examples of other states’ rules include:

I. “cannot fail to provide licensed veterinary or other appropriate medical care in cases of obvious, serious illness or injury.”

II. “cannot fail to provide necessary medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result.”

III. “Must ensure that necessary and standard veterinary care is provided in a timely matter.”

Questions/Comments (10 Min)

C. Some animals may not be in top condition all year. For instance, a breeding bull (especially notable in bison, elk and reindeer) may lose a significant amount of weight during fall breeding season, and then afterward it stays thin during the winter. This is physiologically normal for him and may not be something within the control of the producer.

DEC Comment: The draft already has language to allow for such situations in the general standards. It would seem awkward and potentially too restrictive to get very specific for any particular species of diversified livestock, due to individual animal and environmental variations; however, specific suggestions for improvement of the language will be considered. Comments (5 min)

D. Skip a Day Feeding of Pigs: The first draft requires daily feeding. One producer pointed out that some people practice skip day feeding of mature pigs as a weight management tool.

The Clemson University Extension Service guidance for swine feeding states:

· Limit Feeding Gilts and Sows – Limit feeding to 4 to 6 pounds per day in the breeding herd is a MUST for maximum reproductive efficiency. Start replacement gilts on a limited feeding program at 180 to 200 pounds. Gestation rations normally work well for this purpose.

· Feeding Bulky or Fibrous Feeds – A form of limit feeding may be used to lower the energy content of the ration. Bulky rations will usually not reduce the feed cost and, in many cases, they will cost more since the cost per pound is about the same and the sow will eat more of the bulky ration. Overfeeding as well as underfeeding the brood sow will reduce litter size, reduce sow performance, and decrease profits.

· Skip-Day or Interval Feeding – Skip-day or interval feeding of brood sows and gilts is another method of limit feeding. The breeding herd is allowed access to self-feeders for 2 to 12 hours every second or third day. Under a third day feeding system, the gilts will eat approximately 12 pounds of feed, or 4 pounds for each day, and the sows around 15 pounds, or 5 pounds for each day. The amount of feed can be controlled by the length of time the gilts or sows are left on the self-feeders. Research shows that reproductive performance is essentially the same with either skip-day feeding or daily feeding a limited amount by hand. However, there is greater stress on fences and equipment with the skip-day method.

The recommended code of practice for pigs by the Canadian Food and Agriculture committee states that skip a day feeding of grains should be supplemented by roughage on alternate days.

Very little information is available on “skip a day” feeding. It may be that the practice is decreasing. The American Veterinary Medical Association has no policy statement or information on it. Some animal welfare organizations have statements against the practice. Some market organizations do not allow it. They do not say why they oppose it. Presumably, opposition to the practice must be based on people feeling that the pigs should not feel whatever level of hunger they may feel during that off day without food. This seems to be a minor issue because no other state rules have been found that expressly forbid the practice. Some producers in Alaska may be using this management practice.

Comments (5 Min)

E. Rest stops while in transit: The draft has a requirement of 28 consecutive hours for feeding/watering/offloading of cattle. Participants pointed out that it can be difficult to find a spot to stop and offload in Canada; therefore, this time frame should be lengthened.

DEC Comment: The 28 hour rule is consistent with U.S. Federal standards and other states. This issue has been raised in other workshops also. Of course it would be difficult to even drive for 28 hours straight in Alaska. We will research how such a rule would need to be viewed by the legal system, and whether the clock would start ticking when a person crossed the border into Alaska or might include time spent on Canadian roadways. Canada has its own rules for transportation and does have designated rest stops for livestock haulers. Alaska does not, and although it could be easy enough to pull off a road and let a horse out to move around, the same cannot be said for swine or cattle.

Awaiting opinion from State Attorney General Office.

F. Allowance for snow as animal’s water intake. Informational (10 min)

Previous discussions centered on the fact that water availability can vary and that many animals (particularly open range livestock) can do fine with only access to snow. The topic was also explored in the horse meeting. As drafted, the regulation says:

· “all animals must have daily access to water in sufficient quantity and quality to satisfy the animal’s physiologic needs as evidenced by the animal’s hydration status”

This verbiage does not disallow use of snow. No other states’ rules specifically address this issue. All just use the term “water”. Of course, snow becomes water once it gets ingested.

The Department of Law (DOL) does not feel that it is necessary to further define water in the actual body of the regulation. The DEC can provide an explanation of the intent in our formal response to public comment when the regulations are adopted. This would serve as a further interpretation that the court system would look to on the issue. (OPEN)

Comments/Questions (5 min)

3. Open Forum (30 minutes)

4. Closing questions and remarks by DEC. (15 min)

Ground Rules:

· Stay on topic.

· The moderator will select participants to have the floor to speak. Please do not interrupt a person speaking.

· State your comments as concisely as possible. There is a time limit of 3 minutes per speaker, although the moderator may allow longer comments when deemed necessary. After you have spoken, DEC representatives may ask questions that can be answered immediately or may request further information be sent to them later.

· Be respectful of other participants’ opinions. It is permissible to voice support for something that another speaker has said; however, in general, the moderator will ask that people giving public comment try not to repeat what may have already been stated by other participants, particularly when stating reasoning behind a position on an issue.

· Silence cell phones. Take all phone conversations outside.

Workshop Location/Call Information:

All interested Alaska residents are invited to attend workshops by telephone at 1-800-315-6338 (use pass code 8213 when prompted) or in person at the State Environmental Health Laboratory at 5251 Dr. MLK, Jr. Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99507. If you are unable to attend meetings, feel free to submit your comments to us in writing via mail or email jay.fuller@alaska.gov.

Public Workshop for Proposed Animal Care Standards
Dogs Workshop Agenda
February 23, 2012, 3:30 – 5 PM

Scope of Workshop:

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss specific animal care standards for dogs, including household pets and sled dogs.  The goal of today’s meeting is to gather public comments on newer revised wording for shelter and environment, including sanitation.  Red font indicates explanatory comments or specific questions the DEC has for participants.

Agenda (allotted times are approximate):

1.      Introductions, ground rules, and scope of workshop. 5 min

2.      Open items from last month

·         Shelter (10 min):  various aspects of shelter requirements were discussed last month.  See the discussion below. There are two possible directions to take with shelter:

1.      General verbiage that leaves the decision strictly up to the veterinarian as to whether the animal has adequate living conditions.  The problem with this approach is that vets may have differing opinions on the matter or may be unsure.  The complexity of the discussion on shelter and confinement shows the challenge of defining what is adequate but also points out the difficulties in applying verbiage that is specific enough yet flexible enough to minimize confusion.  Most other states and localities tend to have such general descriptions of an adequate environment; however, they do not necessarily have the veterinarian’s opinion clause as is required by Alaska statute.
2.      More specific verbiage that defines objective criteria to assist in decision making.  The challenge with this approach is to make it fit as many situations as possible, yet still be understandable and clear for the investigators.  It is simply inhumane to keep an animal in too small of an area for the majority of its life.  Sanitation is necessarily linked to living space.  In general, we believe that a minimum living area requirement is needed to establish a threshold, so that people know what the limit is, rather than have that be decided by the subjective determination of any one veterinarian.  Without any specific rule, a citizen could be in trouble and not even have any way to know it.  Dimensions of a pen or length of a tether can easily be measured for enforcement.  A larger area of confinement provides the animal a better opportunity to get out of its own excrement. Defining adequate shelter is a more complex issue, and may lend itself to a more “end point measured” approach, such as evidence of hypothermia.  Unfortunately, this approach might not be as effective at preventing animals from abuse, because they would have to be suffering, or worse, dead for the owner to be in violation.

DEC Comment: The DEC has reviewed other state rules.  Some specifically state that natural shelter can be utilized.  None were found that expressly prohibited natural shelter.  Generally, they require “adequate” protection from the elements without further definition.  The rules regarding cage confinement situations tend to get into more specific detail about shelter, but they are focused on indoor cage rearing operations.  Some states prescribe exercise allowances for dogs kept in close confinement.

Further comments on shelter are welcomed at this time.

·         Sanitation (15 min):  Sanitation was discussed at length last month.  Pros and cons of various possible approaches were explored.  If we adopt a rule that is general, as has been drafted already or something like one of the other proposed wordings, then the burden of the decision of what is “too much excrement” rests strictly on the veterinarian’s subjective judgment, without any further guidance.  The complexity of the discussion points out the distinct possibility of an accused individual using another vet’s opinion to argue successfully in court that they in fact were not failing to maintain the good health and safety of the animal.  The high burden of proof of “beyond a reasonable doubt” makes it seem less likely that a prosecutor might actually take on such a case.  A more objective measurement might help define for a vet and a court what is the limit.  It might even be difficult to prove in court that excrement caused the skin disease, as was proposed initially.

-  The State Attorney General’s office was consulted on this issue.  Their recommendation on “how much could be too much?” is that the DEC should consult other federal and state rules for possible approaches to wording.  Regardless of the wording of the regulation, this issue is going to be a judgment call by the DEC or other veterinarian.

-   Other states’ rules were reviewed. Most have general statements about healthy environments, “excessive” buildup, not causing disease, clean and sanitary, etc.  Some require daily cleaning.  These are typically for dogs confined to cages.  Two slightly more specific approaches are listed below for participants to comment on:

#1. “Hard surfaces with which the dogs or cats come in contact must be spot-cleaned daily and sanitized to prevent accumulation of excreta and reduce disease hazards. Floors made of dirt, absorbent bedding, sand, gravel, grass, or other similar material must be raked or spot-cleaned with sufficient frequency to ensure all animals the freedom to avoid contact with excreta. Contaminated material must be replaced whenever this raking and spot-cleaning is not sufficient to prevent or eliminate odors, insects, pests, or vermin infestation.”

#2.  An animal owner or custodian shall maintain all areas, where an animal is kept and to which it has access, in a clean and sanitary condition and free from objectionable odor.

·         Body Condition Scoring: Informational. (5 min).  The Purina Dog Body Condition Scoring System was discussed last month as a method for determination of starvation or malnutrition.  The DEC has not found any alternative illustrations for dog body condition scoring, or any other similar systems.  The Purina Company has been contacted to see if their chart may be utilized as a reference.  In general, we like the idea of the chart.  It gives dog owners, law enforcement, and veterinarians an idea of what is acceptable.  We and the other vets who have participated do not feel that it would score any type of healthy dog as unacceptable.  The chart itself would be utilized by the veterinarian, so they would still be able to utilize their professional judgment in any questionable situation.

·         Temporary Shelters: Informational. (5 min):  Possible differences in living space minimums or specific sanitation requirements might be appropriate for temporary shelters.  Temporary shelters are not defined.  This item will be addressed in a future meeting.

·         Tethering in open bed pick-up trucks (15 min): The State Attorney General opinion is that the state law against loose objects does not include animals.  So, if we want to prohibit dogs from riding loose in the back of trucks, it must be done through these regulations.

Public Comments are welcomed

3.      Tethering (20 min):  Proposals regarding tethering were presented by participants at the last meeting.  They included:

i.       “No person may cause an animal to be hitched, tied or fastened by any rope, chain or cord that is directly tied around the animal’s neck or to a choke collar. “

ii.       “tethers used to confine dogs must incorporate a separate, non-constrictive, flat collar of durable, ¾ inch or wider material.”  DEC Note: We aren’t sure if this is bigger than a Chihuahua needs, but a flat, non-metal collar makes sense.

iii.      “The actual restraint around an animal’s neck should not be metal chain.  (It causes nasty skin infections, especially in the summer time.  It should be leather or fabric construction.)”

iv.      “Regarding dogs kept on chains, I would HIGHLY recommend either adopting the same square footage requirement as for dogs kept in pens, or specifying that tethers for dogs must consist of a central tether point offering a full circle (360 degrees) of motion.  Otherwise, people WILL attach chains to the sides of buildings, barns, junked cars, fences or other structure that cuts the space available to the dog by 50%.”

DEC:  Participants are welcomed to comment on these ideas.  We need to hear more about what types of systems people are using and why and how they work.

4.      Open Forum/New Topics: 10 min

5.      Closing questions and remarks by DEC. 5 min

Ground Rules:

·         Stay on topic.

·         The moderator will select participants to have the floor to speak.  Please do not interrupt a person speaking.

·         State your comments as concisely as possible. There is a time limit of 3 minutes per speaker, although the moderator may allow longer comments when deemed necessary.  After you have spoken, DEC representatives may ask questions that can be answered immediately or may request further information be sent to them later.

·         Be respectful of other participants’ opinions.  It is permissible to voice support for something that another speaker has said; however, in general, the moderator will ask that people giving public comment try not to repeat what may have already been stated by other participants, particularly when stating reasoning behind a position on an issue.

·         Silence cell phones. Take all phone conversations outside.

Workshop Location/Call Information:

All interested Alaska residents are invited to attend workshops by telephone at 1-800-315-6338 (use pass code 8213 when prompted) or in person at the State Environmental Health Laboratory at 5251 Dr. MLK, Jr. Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99507.  If you are unable to attend meetings, feel free to submit your comments to us in writing via mail or email jay.fuller@alaska.gov.

See our website at: http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/AnimalCareWorkshop.html for previous workshop minutes and the most recent working draft of the proposed regulations.

Horses Workshop Agenda
February 21, 2012, 3:30 – 5 PM

All interested Alaska residents are invited to attend workshops by telephone at 1-800-315-6338 (use pass code 8213 when prompted) or in person at the State Environmental Health Laboratory at 5251 Dr. MLK, Jr. Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99507.  All meetings will be from 3:30 to 5:00 PM.  If you are unable to attend meetings, feel free to submit your comments to us in writing via mail or email jay.fuller@alaska.gov.

Scope of Workshop:

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss animal care standards for horses.  The overall goal for this meeting is for DEC to hear further comment on issues discussed at the previous meeting and to hear general comments on the draft version of the regulations.  Agenda (allotted times are approximate):

1.      Introductions, ground rules, and scope of workshop. 5 min
2.      Open items from last meeting on horses:

·         Shelter.  Various aspects of shelter were discussed.  The entire possible spectrum of living spaces, from open range to very close pen confinement, were explored.  Here are three conceptual approaches used by other states.  Participants are asked to comment on these.  Which do they like best and/or least and why?  30 min

·         Shelter Approach #1:

i.      Shelter must be available for horses in cases of extreme weather conditions. (This does not prescribe a structure)

ii.      Any enclosure where a horse is primarily kept shall be of sufficient size to enable the horse to comfortably stand up, turn around and lie down.

iii.      The minimum ceiling height of a structure must be one foot above the horse’s head when held at its highest level.

iv.      All enclosures and shelters must be free of hazards that may cause injury to confined horses.  (Or:  buildings, premises, and conveyances used in conjunction with equines shall be kept free of sharp objects, protrusions, or other materials that are likely to cause injury.)

v.      Excessive feces, urine, mud, or other waste products must not accumulate within the housing enclosures or to the extent that these cause unhealthy conditions.

vi.      Ventilation in enclosed areas must be sufficient to control excessive ambient temperature and prevent the accumulation of toxic gases, such as ammonia.

vii.      Horses confined to minimal enclosed areas must have access to adequate exercise area.  Confined is defined as being housed within the designated space continually, without free access to a paddock, turnout, or other exercise area.

·         Shelter Approach #2:

i.      The minimum ceiling height of a shelter must be six inches higher than the top of the ears when head is at highest level.

ii.      A 12’ X 12’ stall is the minimum size of a primary enclosure for an adult horse.

·         Shelter Approach #3:

i.      All housing systems must meet the following requirements:

1.      Must provide a clean and safe environment that promotes the health, welfare and performance of equines at all stages of their lives;

2.      Have a stocking density that allows for all equines to easily lie down at the same time in a normal resting posture and be able to easily stand back up at all stages of production, and in addition all animals must be able to access feed and water without excessive competition;

3.      Must provide access to facilities or natural features that provide reasonable protection from adverse weather conditions and predators;

4.      Enclosures, including fencing, must be designed and maintained so as to minimize injury and provide for the safety of humans and other animals;

5.      Environmental management must be designed to control parasite infestation and minimize insect infestations;

ii.      Indoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:

1.      If stalls are used, they must be cleaned and replenished regularly with clean, good quality and absorbent bedding; and,

2.      If confined in a stall, the responsible party must provide access for exercise unless medically prohibited.

iii.      Outdoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:

1.      Must seek to minimize prolonged exposure to adverse environmental conditions that compromise the animal’s health and safety; and,

2.      If open lots are used, they must be maintained to promote proper drainage away from resting areas and feed and water.

iv.      Tack and/or harness must fit properly and be well maintained so as to minimize the potential for injuries.

·         Water:  Possible approaches to providing for adequate water were discussed.  Hydration status as judged by a veterinarian is an obvious endpoint standard, but it does not give any specific guidance for owners or actionable criteria for law enforcement.  Hard frozen ice alone may not be accessible enough to maintain hydration.   Most other states simply have general rules that adequate water must be provided.  Although continuous access is preferred, twice daily is the most common minimum required frequency.  The DEC requests further comments on water availability.   Ideas for general approach or specific language are welcome.  The Department of Law makes final determinations of whether exact language is enforceable and consistent with statute; however, DEC defines and explains the intent.  15 min

·         Hoof care:  The first draft requires “routine hoof care” be provided.  “Routine” needs to be defined.    10 min  Possible hoof care approaches include:

i.      All horses must receive proper foot care to maintain hooves in a functional condition.

ii.      The horse should receive adequate hoof care to allow the horse to stand in a normal posture and move at all gaits without discomfort.  Some health and hoof problems (such as heaves or founder) in horses, particularly those that are longstanding, may not be resolvable, but this should be determined by veterinary exam.

Participants are asked to comment on these approaches.

3.      Open forum.  Possible topics could be Body Condition Scoring or transportation.  20 min

4.      Closing questions and remarks by DEC. 10 min

Ground Rules:

·         Stay on topic.

·         The moderator will select participants to have the floor to speak.  Please do not interrupt a person speaking.

·         State your comments as concisely as possible. There is a time limit of 3 minutes per speaker, 6although the moderator may allow longer comments when deemed necessary.  After you have spoken, DEC representatives may ask questions that can be answered immediately or may request further information be sent to them later.

·         Be respectful of other participants’ opinions.  It is permissible to voice support for something that another speaker has said; however, in general, the moderator will ask that people giving public comment try not to repeat what may have already been stated by other participants, particularly when stating reasoning behind a position on an issue.

·         Silence cell phones. Take all phone conversations outside.