Animal Welfare Activities Presented by Dr. Sandra Norman and Dr. Jodi Lovejoy IN Board of Animal Health
BOAH Primary Mission Areas Animal Health “Since 1889” Disease prevention & control Disaster Preparedness Readiness in “all hazards approach” Food Safety Meat, poultry and dairy inspection Animal Care Establish standards for animal care
BOAH Animal Care Roles Register Shelters (2016) Livestock and Poultry Standards of Care (2010) Commercial Dog Breeders Program Registration and inspection (2010) Livestock Markets Regulation Feed, water, handling, non-ambulatory (1997) Law Enforcement Support Criminal investigations (1980s) Humane Slaughter Act enforcement State meat inspection program (1960s)
Shelter Registration Directed by legislation 2016 (added IC 15-20-4) Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "animal care facility" refers to an animal care facility (as defined in IC 6-9-39-1) that has companion animals are available for adoption. Includes: (1) Governmental and private entities. (2) Animal rescues Voluntary Website-based: www.in.gov/boah/2772.htm Provide a physical address Contact information Registered shelters will receive acknowledgement letter
Spay/Neuter Legislation Established by IN General Assembly inserted into: 15-20—4-(3-5) Requires all companion animals released by Animal Care Facilities be spayed/neutered beginning July 1, 2021 Lists exemptions Requires $75 deposit if cannot be spayed/neutered Process for dispensation of deposits used or unused
IN Commercial Dog Breeder Broker Program (CBBR) Breeders with >20 breeding females (IC 15-21) USDA-registered brokers selling 500+ puppies/year Requirements: USDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3.1 thru 3.12 plus: Daily exercise May not house on wire unless dog can get off wire flooring Primary enclosure must be large enough for normal movement Inspection: Brand new breeder/facility Complaint-driven
CBBR Exemptions Animal shelters Humane societies Animal rescue operations may not breed dogs to be excluded Hobby breeders Breeders of sport dogs for hunting at least 75% of dogs bred for this purpose Breeders of service, police, or armed forces dogs
BOAH Livestock & Poultry Standards of Care Each Standard of Care - Core Principle Care that can reasonably be expected to maintain the health of the animals For given species, breed, sex and age Raised using the applicable production method Areas evaluated: Food and water Shelter Disease, Injury, Treatment Animal Stewardship Handling and Transportation
Indiana Statutes Involving Animal Welfare Definitions of Offenses Relating to Animals: IC 35- 46-3-0.5 IC 35-46-3-6 (Impoundment, Bond) IC 35-46-3-6 (e) Whenever charges are filed under this chapter the court shall appoint the state veterinarian or state veterinarian’s designee to: Investigate the condition of the animal and the circumstances relating to its condition Make a recommendation to the court regarding confiscation of the animal
Statute Defining Criminal Law IC 1-1-2-2 Sec. 2. Crimes shall be defined and punishment therefore fixed by statutes of this state and not otherwise. (Formerly: Acts 1852,1RS, c.61, s.2.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2, SEC.101. No Common Law Crimes: all elements of the crime must be in the statute
Indiana Statutes Classify Animals as Property Under the law (common law, federal laws, and Indiana law) domesticated animals are property Classified as “personal property.” In Indiana, wild animals belong to the people of Indiana and are regulated by DNR. Exotic animals are regulated by federal law.
Enforcement of Indiana Code Only Law Enforcement (LE) has authority to enforce Indiana Code Only LE has the authority to impound animals Neglect, as defined in the state statute, is a crime Must be treated as a criminal case Same legal procedures as other criminal investigations Adequate evidence collection Proper search and seizure Appropriate care of impounded animals
Search and Seizure Suggestions If animals are to be impounded, include language to allow testing of animal(s) and/or products from the animal Include all buildings on the site and grounds associated with the location(s) In fighting/bestiality cases, include electronic devices such as cell phones and computers
BOAH Actions on Animal Neglect When requested, assist local LE and/or animal control (AC) in welfare investigations Available for any species Jurisdiction to evaluate livestock and poultry Utilize standard Body Condition Scoring (BCS) systems Refer to industry guidelines for animal care
BOAH Actions on Animal Abuse Assist LE and/or AC in abuse evaluations Assist prosecutor in courtcase Provide guidance on appropriate testing Dependent on situation
Emergency Management Work with county Emergency Management directors Develop emergency response plans for animals in disasters Train first responders Livestock behavior and handling Best practices for animal extrication
Animal Health Events BOAH personnel may conduct field testing and surveillance IN Reportable Disease list Zoonotic: Rabies, Monkey pox, Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, etc. High-impact: Avian Influenza Foreign: Avian Influenza Control and/or eradication dependent on the disease Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations USDA requirements IN requirements
Questions?