Rule 901:1-4-01 | Definitions and general considerations.
(A) "Animal" as used in this chapter refers to any "dangerous wild animal" as defined in divisions (C)(1) to (C)(20) of section 935.01 of the Revised Code that is possessed by the holder of a wildlife shelter permit, a wildlife propagation permit, or a rescue facility permit issued under Chapter 935. of the Revised Code.
The nonhuman primates listed in division (C)(20) of section 935.01 of the Revised Code are exempted from rules 901:1-4-01.2 and 901:1-4-01.3, of the Administrative Code.
(B) "Animal caretaker" means a person with knowledge and experience of zoology, animal science, and biology sufficient for the daily care, maintenance, record keeping, and well-being of physical facilities and animals in their care.
(C) "Clean" means an environmental condition free of unwanted matter such as solids, liquids, gases or living organisms that have the potential to cause adverse effects to the health and well-being of animals and humans.
(D) "Dig barrier" means a deterrent that is part of a primary enclosure and that is of sufficient strength and design to prevent the enclosed animal from being able to dig under the walls of the primary enclosure.
(E) "Elevated platform" means a surface or structure positioned above the floor, or above the grade level of an enclosure, that will provide for the animal's welfare.
(F) "Equivalent" as used in this chapter means a material that is equal to or greater in strength than the materials specified for use by this chapter.
If permit applicants desire to use equivalent materials, they may request a determination from the department that their desired materials are of an equivalent strength.
(G) "Permit holder" means those persons possessing dangerous wild animals pursuant to a "wildlife shelter permit", a "wildlife propagation permit", or a "rescue facility permit" as set forth in Chapter 935. of the Revised Code.
(H) "Primary enclosure" means the enclosure that directly houses an animal and where the animal may come into direct contact with the enclosure material.
(I) "Safety entrance" means a secure area in the primary enclosure that can be entered by a caretaker that prevents an animal's escape and protects the caretaker, or a device that can be activated by the caretaker to prevent an animal's escape and safeguards the entry.
A safety entrance shall be constructed of material equivalent to the primary enclosure and include:
(1) A double door and locking mechanism;
(2) Interconnecting cages; or,
(3) A lock down area or other comparable device.
(J) "Secondary enclosure" means an enclosure that serves as a perimeter fence surrounding all primary enclosures, or an individual secondary enclosure built around each primary enclosure. A secondary enclosure must be constructed so that it protects the animals in the enclosure by restricting animals and unauthorized persons from outside of the facility from having contact with the animals in the facility.
(K) "Shelter" means a structure or natural feature within or attached to the primary enclosure that protects the animal from adverse weather conditions and is appropriate for the animal's size.
(L) "Shift cages" are enclosures that can temporarily contain the animal and be closed off from the primary enclosure to allow for servicing of the primary enclosure.
(M) "Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship" (VCPR) has the same meaning as defined in section 4741.04 of the Revised Code.
(N) Dead animals must be disposed of pursuant to section 941.14 of the Revised Code.
(O) Distress occurs when animals are injured, sick, in pain, or are in inappropriate environmental conditions.
(P) Devices, or any other related equipment used to handle, sort, or move animals, must minimize distress and must be maintained in proper working order at all times.
(Q) Emergency lighting shall be available at each dangerous wild animal facility.
(R) Euthanasia must follow the American veterinary medical association guidelines.
(S) A person issued a restricted snake possession permit or restricted snake propagation permit shall comply with the standards adopted by the zoological association of America regarding care and housing and in effect on September 5, 2012.
(T) Nothing in the rules adopted in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a licensed veterinarian, or other person acting under the veterinarian's supervision, from meeting the standards set forth in Chapter 4741. of the Revised Code or rules promulgated thereunder.
Supplemental Information