California Code of Regulations › Title 14 - Natural Resources › Division 1 - Fish and Game Commission-Department of Fish and Game › Subdivision 3 - General Regulations › Chapter 3 - Miscellaneous › Section 671.2 - Humane Care and Treatment Standards

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
(a) Care and Treatment. Except as provided by
				  subsection (c) below, every person who imports, transports, or possesses a
				  restricted species shall comply with the following provisions:
(1) Food. Food shall be wholesome, palatable
				  and free from contamination and shall be supplied in sufficient quantity and
				  nutritive value to maintain the animal in good health. The diet shall be
				  prepared with consideration for the age, species, condition, and size of each
				  animal.
(2) Feeding. Animals not in
				  hibernation shall be fed at least once a day. Food receptacles shall be clean
				  and sanitary. Food shall be accessible to all animals in the enclosure and
				  placed to prevent contamination. If self-feeders are used, adequate measures
				  shall be taken to prevent mold, contamination, deterioration or caking of
				  food.
(3) Water. Potable water must
				  be accessible to the animals at all times or provided as often as necessary for
				  the health and comfort of the animal as directed by a licensed veterinarian.
				  All water receptacles shall be clean and sanitary.
(4) Cleaning of enclosures. Excrement shall
				  be removed from enclosures at least once per day or in the case of large
				  pasture areas, large flight cages, breeding chambers or large natural habitat
				  enclosures, as often as necessary to maintain animals in a healthy condition.
				  When enclosures are cleaned by hosing or flushing, adequate measures shall be
				  taken to protect confined animals from the direct spray.
(5) Disinfection of enclosures. After an
				  animal with an infectious or transmissible disease is removed from a cage,
				  room, or pen/run, that enclosure shall be disinfected in compliance with the
				  directions of a licensed veterinarian.
(6) Pest control. Programs of disease
				  prevention and parasite control, euthanasia and adequate veterinary care shall
				  be established and maintained under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
				  The pest control program shall be reviewed annually by the veterinarian for the
				  safe use of materials and methods.
(7) Daily observation. Animals shall be
				  observed every day by the person in charge of the care of the animals or by
				  someone working under his or her direct supervision. Sick or diseased,
				  stressed, injured, or lame animals shall be provided with veterinary care or
				  humanely destroyed.
(8) Handling.
				  Animals shall be handled expeditiously and carefully so as not to cause
				  unnecessary discomfort, behavioral stress, or physical harm to the animal.
				  Except as provided below, an animal may be placed on a chain and collar only
				  when being transported by an attendant between areas on a permittee's premises
				  or between a mode of conveyance and a worksite or veterinarian's office, or
				  when the handler is working or exercising the animal(s) within the compound.
				  Care shall be exercised to avoid harm to the handler or the general public.
				  Animals shall be kept under control at all times and shall not be allowed to
				  roam free outside of a compound, except when under the control of the handler
				  during filming or exhibition.
Exceptions: Elephants chained pursuant to subsection
					 671.3(b)(2)(M)4.
					 (see Department of Fish and Game Manual No. 671-2/25/92). Raptors may be jessed
					 and tethered.
(9)
				  Chaining/staking. Animal(s) shall not be chained or otherwise tethered to a
				  stake, post, tree, building or other anchorage, except during filming, training
				  or exhibition, in an emergency situation or when repairs are being made to the
				  cage. The animal(s) shall be under the direct supervision of the handler or his
				  designee at all times.
Exceptions: Elephants chained pursuant to subsection
					 671.3(b)(2)(M)4.
					 (see Department of Fish and Game Manual No. 671-2/25/92). Raptors may be jessed
					 and tethered.
(10) Public
				  display. Animals shall be publicly displayed only for periods of time and under
				  conditions consistent with the animal's health and comfort. The animal must be
				  handled so there is no perceived risk to the public in the judgement of the
				  department's enforcement officer, with sufficient distance allowed between
				  animal acts and the viewing public to assure safety to both the public and the
				  animals. Animals on display shall be contained within an escape-proof area or
				  enclosure at all times when not under the immediate control of a handler.
				  Circus or traveling show animals shall be allowed a rest period of at least 4
				  hours per day within an enclosure as directed by a licensed
				  veterinarian.