Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 232-12-017, 232-12-064, and other rules related to native-species, exotic-game, and deleterious-wildlife importation, possession, husbandry, sale, facility upkeep and inspection, seizure, quarantine, and destruction.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Some facilities in the state that house deleterious exotic wildlife and native cervid and other species do not maintain their facilities and records or operate in accordance with state and federal law. The department wants to be able to enforce the laws to ensure the health and safety of all animals held at such facilities. The department also seeks to protect our native species from disease and destruction caused by imported and/or nonnative animals.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Staff is working closely with APHIS to share inspection records and to develop our rule proposals.

     Process for Developing New Rule:      Agency study.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lori Preuss, WDFW Enforcement, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2930, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail at lori.preuss@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by December 1, 2008. Expected proposal filing on or after December 24, 2008.

October 17, 2008

Loreva M. Preuss

Rules Coordinator

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