By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Associate Editor

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Last week, the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) voted in favor of a new proposal to establish minimum standards of care for livestock and poultry in Indiana.

Presented for the first time during the quarterly meeting on April 14, the proposal seeks to create a baseline for animal care based on five core principles including food and water, shelter, animal disease, injury and treatment, animal stewardship and handling and transportation.

“This is an issue that stirs a lot of passion and emotion in many people from different perspectives,” said State Veterinarian Bret Marsh. “By recognizing five core principles that apply to all Hoosier livestock and poultry producers, we feel this identifies a place of common ground to ensure all animals are cared for in the best ways possible. This is an innovative approach to the issue, and we feel this is the right direction for the state of Indiana.”

Since BOAH veterinarians already routinely assist local law enforcement agencies in cases of animal abuse and neglect, these core principles will provide further definition to acceptable levels of care for livestock and poultry.
In 2010, the Indiana General Assembly officially tasked, by state statute, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health with developing standards of care for livestock and poultry in the state. The Board, which has been in existence since 1889, is comprised of 11 members, representing different livestock species sectors, poultry industry, companion animals and the veterinary community.

“I applaud you,” commended Pearce McKinney, of Wingate, Ind., a board member and sheep producer. “This is a marvelous proposal. I am thrilled to death to see our state become so proactive in establishing animal care standards.”

At the first reading, the Board has opened a comment period, which will end with a public hearing before Board members vote on the final version (which will follow the second reading).

“We are rolling out the proposal today, next we will work on the impact statement,” said Dr. Michael Kopp, director of avian health programs. “We wanted to get the Board’s sense of how we want to proceed, then move forward with a public comment period, take that feedback and if we’re content with the draft perhaps in time the rule could be considered for eventual passage.”

A copy of the proposal may be viewed online at the Board of Animal Health’s website at  www.boah.in.gov

Comments may be submitted during the public comment period via e-mail at animalhealth@boah.in.gov