Rule 901:12-15-03 | Management.
(A) The following livestock management procedures are acceptable and, if performed, must be performed in a humane manner:
(1) The responsible party must ensure that castration is performed with chemical restraint and with effective analgesia; and,
(2) Tail docking in horses must only be performed in accordance with section 959.14 of the Revised Code and must be performed by a licensed veterinarian to ensure adequate pain management, sterile technique and appropriate aftercare.
(B) The responsible party must monitor regularly for functional condition and maintenance of body condition, and if not maintained, corrective measures must be taken when evidence is found.
(C) All housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) Must provide a clean and safe environment that promotes the health, welfare and performance of equines at all stages of their lives;
(2) Have a stocking density that allows for all equines to easily lie down at the same time in a normal resting posture and be able to easily stand back up at all stages of production, and in addition all animals must be able to access feed and water without excessive competition;
(3) Must provide access to facilities or natural features that provide reasonable protection from adverse weather conditions and predators;
(4) Enclosures, including fencing, must be designed and maintained so as to minimize injury and provide for the safety of humans and other animals;
(5) Environmental management must be designed to control parasite infestation and minimize insect infestations;
(6) Light intensity must be adequate for observation during inspection.
(D) Indoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) If stalls are used, they must be cleaned and replenished regularly with clean, good quality and absorbent bedding; and,
(2) If confined in a stall, the responsible party must provide access for exercise unless medically prohibited.
(E) Outdoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) Must seek to minimize prolonged exposure to adverse environmental conditions that compromise the animal's health and safety; and,
(2) If open lots are used, they must be maintained to promote proper drainage away from resting areas and feed and water.
(F) Tack and/or harness must fit properly and be well maintained so as to minimize the potential for injuries.
(G) At non-terminal markets and collection facilities in which equine are held for slaughter, the responsible party must provide a dry area so that all equines can lie down at the same time and be protected from adverse weather. If maintained for more than eight hours at such facilities, equines must be provided access to feed and water.
Supplemental Information