WSR 16-15-095
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed July 20, 2016, 10:55 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-54 WAC, Animal importation.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 16.36.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending chapter 16-54 WAC to:
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Add timed events to definitions to be consistent with chapter 16-86 WAC;
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Remove the requirement that owners of swine must sign the certificate of veterinary inspection for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus origination or effected premises;
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Modify the exemption to import test requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets to allow traveling into Washington by means other than private conveyance;
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Reference the statutory authority for wild and exotic animals; and
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Modify language to increase clarity and conform with current industry practices.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: We will discuss the proposed changes with the department of fish and wildlife and department of health who have regulations in place that apply to some of the proposed changes.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jodi Jones, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42577, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 902-1889, fax (360) 902-2087, e-mail jjones@agr.wa.gov.
July 20, 2016
Lynn M. Briscoe
Assistant Director