BILL REQ. #:  S-3959.1 

Read first time 01/20/2004.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture.

     AN ACT Relating to nonambulatory livestock; adding a new section to Title 16 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to Title 16 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) For the purposes of this section, "nonambulatory livestock" means cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, or other equine, that are unable to stand and walk unassisted.
     (2) A person commits the crime of trading in nonambulatory livestock if the person knowingly delivers or accepts delivery of live nonambulatory livestock. This section does not apply to:
     (a) The movement of nonambulatory livestock under the care of a licensed veterinarian, including the delivery of nonambulatory livestock to a licensed veterinarian, or acceptance of nonambulatory livestock by a licensed veterinarian, for the purpose of euthanizing or providing appropriate medical care or treatment to nonambulatory livestock; and
     (b) The movement of nonambulatory livestock to provide for the appropriate care, medical treatment, or euthanizing of animals on a farm.
     (3) A person convicted of violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in RCW 9A.20.021.