Md. Code Regs. 08.03.12.15

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 08.03.12.15 - Animal Health and Care

A. The food provided for the animal shall be wholesome, palatable, free from contamination, and of sufficient quantity and nutritional value to maintain the animal in good health. The diet shall be prepared with consideration for the age, species, condition, size, and type of the animal. Animals shall be fed at least once daily, except during normal hibernation, veterinary treatment, normal fasts, or other professionally accepted practices.

B. Food receptacles, if used, shall be adequate to provide food in sufficient quantity, accessible to all animals in the enclosure, and placed to minimize contamination. The receptacles shall be kept clean. If self-feeders are used, measures shall be taken to prevent molding, contamination, deterioration, or caking of the food.

C. If potable water is not accessible to animals at all times, it shall be provided as often as necessary for the health and comfort of the animal.

D. Animals shall be observed at least once every day by the permittee or by a designated in-shelter assistant working under the rehabilitator's direct supervision.

E. Excreta shall be removed from primary enclosures as often as necessary to prevent contamination of animals, minimize disease, and reduce odors. When enclosures are cleaned by hosing or flushing, the animals shall be protected from being directly sprayed.

F. After the presence of an animal with an infectious disease, cages, rooms, and hard surfaced pens or runs shall be sanitized. Sanitized means either washing with hot water and soap or detergent, as in a mechanical washer, or by washing all soiled surfaces with a detergent solution. This procedure shall be followed by a safe and effective disinfectant, or by cleaning all soiled surfaces with saturated live steam under pressure. Pens or runs using gravel, sand, or dirt shall be cleaned when necessary as directed by the veterinary consultant.

G. Areas in which the animals are housed shall be kept clean to protect the animals from injury and stress. Trash shall be placed in designated areas and cleared as necessary to protect the health of the animals.

H. A safe and effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, and flies, and avian and mammalian pests, shall be established and maintained. The pest control program shall be established and maintained under the supervision of the permittee's veterinarian consultant.

I. Programs for disease prevention, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care shall be established and maintained under the supervision of the permittee's veterinarian consultant.

J. Handling of animals shall be kept to a minimum, but when necessary shall be done expeditiously and carefully to prevent discomfort, behavioral stress, or physical harm to the animal or harm to the handler. Human contact with animals being rehabilitated shall be kept to a minimum.

K. An animal being rehabilitated may not be publicly exhibited.

Md. Code Regs. 08.03.12.15