SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6413

                    AS OF JANUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Concerning the health of animals and domestic livestock.

SPONSORS: Senators M. Rasmussen, Erwin, Snyder, Loveland, Oke, Anderson, Owen, Prince, Roach, McAuliffe, Moyer and Hargrove

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates:  January 26, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Following the veto of the 1993 alternative livestock legislation, the Departments of Wildlife and Agriculture got together to develop a Memorandum of Understanding concerning how they would handle alternative wildlife issues.  As a result of that Memorandum of Understanding signed in late November, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fish and Wildlife developed legislation necessary to implement the memorandum. 

SUMMARY:

The statutes of the Department of Agriculture, RCW 16.36, are amended to include a definition of animal which means all members of the animal kingdom except humans, fish and insects.  Domestic livestock is defined in specific terms and means horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, ratites and other species designated by statute or rule of the department. 

The word "quarantine" is clarified and a provision is made that any animal or animals quarantined within the state shall be kept separate and apart from other animals and not allowed to have anything to do with each other during the quarantine period.  The Director of the Department of Agriculture is given authority to enforce quarantine regulations against all animals which are infected with disease.

It is unlawful for any person to intentionally alter or complete animal health certificates or veterinary inspection certificates. 

In adopting rules for animals, the Department of Agriculture consults with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure that regulations will not allow or purport to allow importation, possession or use of animals which are in violation of Title 77 or the rules adopted under Title 77.

The department is given authority to assist local governments with control of animal diseases, and the Governor and the Director of Agriculture have the power to cooperate with the federal government in the prevention and eradication of animals, which would include all members of the animal kingdom except humans, fish and insects.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested