PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-610 WAC, Livestock inspection and identification, the department is proposing to update the livestock inspection and identification rules to update the fees for livestock inspection as established by legislation (ESB 6376). In addition, the department is proposing to include a penalty matrix for civil infractions of chapter 16.57 RCW, and to amend the rules regarding special open consignment horse sales.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 16.57, 16.58, 16.65, and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amending the rules to chapter 16-610 WAC, Livestock inspection and identification, is in response to a change in state law enacted by the legislature (ESB 6376). The proposal will amend the fees for livestock inspection so that they match those set in statute and will provide for the self-inspection of up to twenty-five head of cattle. On the advice of assistant attorney general and the officer of the courts, we are including the civil infraction schedule for violations of chapter 16.57 RCW in order to allow the department to pursue penalties for illegal actions. In addition, rules regarding special open consignment horse sales are needed to specify when and where these types of sales can be held.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The Washington state department of agriculture staff will develop the rule proposal and will communicate with the livestock identification advisory board, stakeholders, and other interested parties for their review and comment. Interested parties can also participate in the public hearing/public comment process, the dates of which will be announced when the department files the rule proposal with the code reviser.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Leslie Alexander, Livestock Identification Program Supervisor, P.O. Box 42560, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (509) 543-7383 or (360) 902-1987.
July 31, 2006
Dr. Leonard E. Eldridge DVM
State Veterinarian