Section 671.2 - Humane Care and Treatment Standards(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.(b) Log Requirement. Permittees shall maintain a written log in the English language for each animal in their possession which documents each animal's health care. The log shall contain the following information: date of acquisition, name and address of person from whom the animal was acquired, identifying marks or characteristics, date and description of illness and/or injury, health care treatment provided, name and signature of the person treating the animal, if applicable. This log shall be made available to department officers or its authorized agent on demand.(c) Alternative Care and Treatment Authorized by Veterinarian. When specifically directed in writing by a licensed veterinarian, a person may provide alternative care and treatment. The veterinarian's written instructions for long-term care of the animals held under the permit shall be presented to the inspector at the time of inspection. The implementation of any short-term exceptions to the veterinarian's long-term instructions or to the provisions of subsections 671.2(a)(1) through (10) above shall be verified in writing in the animal's log by the permittee within 10 working days from the date of the action. Such exception shall not exceed two weeks without written concurrence from a licensed veterinarian.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 671.2
1. Amendment filed 6-30-66; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 66, No. 20).
2. Amendment filed 1-24-75 as an emergency; effective upon filing. Certificate of Compliance included (Register 75, No. 4).
3. New NOTE filed 7-16-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 29).
4. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).
5. Repealer filed 7-15-87; operative 8-14-87 (Register 87, No. 29).
6. New section filed 2-26-92; operative 2-26-92 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 92, No. 13).
7. Amendment of section heading and subsections (a), (a)(4), (a)(8), (a)(9) and (b) filed 8-27-98; operative 9-26-98 (Register 98, No. 35). Note: Authority cited: Section 2120, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 2116.5, 2118 and 2120, Fish and Game Code.
1. Amendment filed 6-30-66; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 66, No. 20).
2. Amendment filed 1-24-75 as an emergency; effective upon filing. Certificate of Compliance included (Register 75, No. 4).
3. New NOTE filed 7-16-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 29).
4. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).
5. Repealer filed 7-15-87; operative 8-14-87 (Register 87, No. 29).
6. New section filed 2-26-92; operative 2-26-92 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 92, No. 13).
7. Amendment of section heading and subsections (a), (a)(4), (a)(8), (a)(9) and (b) filed 8-27-98; operative 9-26-98 (Register 98, No. 35).