HB 1310
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Enforcing animal health laws.
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- Authorizes specific actions by the Department of Agriculture and modifies certain
timelines related to the monitoring, investigation and enforcement of animal health laws
and rules.
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Hearing Date: 2/1/07
Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).
Background:
Under the state's animal health statutes, the Director of the Department of Agriculture
(Department) is required to supervise the prevention of the spread and suppression of infectious,
contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases affecting animals within, in transit through,
and imported into the state. The Department's Animal Health Program monitors the movement
of animals across state lines by reviewing health certificates, which are required for most
animals entering the state, and issuing or denying required permits. The program also sets
requirements for reporting and controlling certain diseases, conducts tests and inspections to
detect specific diseases, and engages in emergency management planning to enable trace-back
and disease control.
Summary of Bill:
- The director is authorized to establish inspection points, stop vehicles transporting animals
on public roads, and inspect them to check for accompanying valid health certificates,
permits or other documents required under animal health statutes or rules. The vehicles must
stop at any posted inspection point. The director or appointed officers are also authorized to
stop a vehicle on a public road at other than a posted inspection point if there is reasonable
cause to believe the animals are being transported in violation of animal health laws or rules.
The director is authorized to issue notices of and enforce class 1 civil infractions if a person
stopped while transporting animals is not carrying valid animal health documents.
- Animals that are imported into the state for immediate slaughter must be slaughtered or
delivered to a slaughter establishment within three days after entry, not within seven days as
in current law.
- A hold order issued by the director due to concerns about disease, documents, or the
well-being of animals is in effect for 14 days rather than seven and expires either when
released by the director or no later than midnight on the fourteenth day.
- A person violating the animal health statutes or rules may be assessed a civil penalty of
$1,000 or less per violation. The revenues must be deposited into the State General Fund.
- It is unlawful to intentionally falsely apply, alter, or remove an official animal health or
identification tag, permanent mark, or other device.
- Livestock dealers must carry animal identification and animal health documents as required
by the animal health and livestock identification statutes and rules.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is
passed.