SF553

Senate File No. 553 is a legislative bill aimed at modifying fencing requirements for farmed Cervidae, which includes animals like deer and elk that are raised in captivity. The bill specifies that:

1. All perimeter fences for farmed Cervidae must be at least 96 inches tall.
2. Fences must be constructed and maintained in a way that prevents these animals from escaping and stops free-roaming wild Cervidae from entering and making physical contact with the farmed animals.
3. The Board of Animal Health or the Commissioner of Natural Resources will oversee the adequacy of fencing and can demand corrections if they find fences inadequate.
4. Any new fences or repairs must be made of high-tensile material.
5. Enclosures must have double-gate entry systems to further prevent escapes.
6. Immediate repairs are required if a fence defect leads to possible entry or escape of either farmed or wild Cervidae.
7. Any other fence deficiencies need to be fixed within a maximum of 14 days as per the determination by the Board of Animal Health.
8. If a deficiency is found, the facility must be reinspected at least once in the next three months, and the owner must pay for this reinspection.
9. The facility’s registration may be revoked if more than one escape occurs within six months or failures to correct deficiencies after an inspection occur, leading to potential removal or destruction of the farmed Cervidae.
10. In cases of revocation, the animals may be seized and destroyed by the commissioner of natural resources.

The bill aims to enhance the security and containment of farmed Cervidae to prevent mixing with wild populations and ensure better management of these animals.