15A N.C. Admin. Code 10H.1104

Current through Register Vol. 38, No. 24, June 17, 2024

Section 10H .1104 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CAGING AND CARE

(a) Breeder cages shall be used to hold a pair of animals for breeding and to hold the female and her litter from the time the litter is born until weaning.

(b) Pelter cages shall only be used to hold single animals.

(c) The minimum dimensions of cages in depth (d), width (w), and height (h) measured in feet shall be as follows depending on the species of animals being held:

SPECIES	BREEDER CAGE	PELTER CAGE
(d x w x h)	(d x w x h)
Beaver	3 x 6 x 2.5	3 x 4 x 2.5
Bobcat	3 x 6 x 2.5	3 x 4 x 2.5
Fox	5.0 x 3.0 x 3.0	2.5 x 3.0 x 3.0
Mink	2.0 x 0.8 x 1.0	2.0 x 0.5 x 1.0
Nutria	3 x 3 x 2.0	3 x 2 x 2.0
Opossum	3 x 3 x 2.0	3 x 2 x 2.0
Otter	3 x 5 x 1.5	3 x 3 x 1.5
Raccoon	3 x 4 x 2.0	3 x 2 x 2.0
Skunk	3 x 3 x 1.5	3 x 2 x 1.5
Weasel	2 x 2 x 1.5	1 x 2 x 1.5

(d) Each license holder shall comply with the following general cage requirements:

(1) cages shall be constructed of non-toxic, corrosion-resistant materials sufficient to retain animals without tethers or chains;

(2) cages shall have a den area large enough for all the animals in that cage to turn around and lie down;

(3) cages shall be housed in an area that provides protection from direct sunlight, precipitation, wind, and other weather conditions;

(4) cages shall be designed to minimize heat build-up and provide sufficient light to maintain the animal's circadian rhythms;

(5) caging shall be ventilated;

(6) cages shall be solidly based at least two feet above ground or floor level to facilitate cleaning;

(7) cages shall be arranged in rows to allow visual and physical inspection of all areas and all species and to allow space for operations and cleaning; and

(8) a perimeter fence shall be maintained around the housing area and shall include a dig barrier designed to prevent escape and access by domestic and wild animals.

(e) Each license holder shall comply with the following general care requirements:

(1) water: clean drinking water shall be provided. All pools, tanks, water areas, and water containers provided for swimming, wading, or drinking shall be clean. Enclosures shall provide drainage for surface water and runoff;

(2) sanitation: water disposal and waste disposal shall be in accordance with all applicable local, State, and federal laws;

(3) food: food shall be of a type and quantity that is appropriate for the particular species and shall be provided in an unspoiled and uncontaminated condition;

(4) waste: fecal and food waste shall be removed from inside, under, and around enclosures and disposed of in a manner that prevents noxious odors or pests;

(5) ectoparasites: a program for the control of ectoparasites and vermin shall be established and maintained. Methods to control insects shall be employed and only EPA-approved insecticides shall be used. Biological pest control methods may be used where appropriate.

15A N.C. Admin. Code 10H .1104

Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-273;
Eff. April 1, 1986;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. December 6, 2016;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2019.

Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-273;
Eff. 4/1/1986.

Amended by North Carolina Register Volume 34, Issue 11, December 2, 2019 effective 11/1/2019.