Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 204 - RULE FOR THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR FARMED CERVIDS
Section 001-204-6 - CONFINMENT, HANDLING, AND HERD MANAGEMENT

Universal Citation: 01 ME Code Rules ยง 001-204-6

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. Confinement

1. Cervids must be confined in such a manner as to prevent escape and to prevent wild deer and other wild animals from entering the enclosure.

2. Established License Holder's shall construct and maintain perimeter fencing a minimum of 6 feet high. All other license holders shall construct and maintain perimeter fencing a minimum of 8 feet. Barbed wire is prohibited in any area where cervids may have contact with that wire.

B. Handling

1. Handling facilities must be adequate to allow cervids to be handled humanely and safely.

2. Each access lane and catch pen must be designed and constructed of materials adequate for the safe containment of cervids for inspection, identification and testing.

3. No nails, barbed wire or other potential hazards may protrude from any facility, lane or pen.

4. Where no handling facilities exist, the license holder must use adequate immobilization methods as outlined in a written plan approved by the Department. Such plan shall outline a humane and safe method to handle the cervids.

5. Any needles, syringes, tranquilizers or other dangerous medications must be maintained in a secure storage area.

C. Herd Management

Cervids must have free access to the following:

1. Clean water

2. Adequate feed to maintain weight during any stage of production

3. Adequate shelter, which may be either natural or constructed
1. Natural shelter: A well-drained area consisting of trees or brush that affords protection from direct sun, wind, rain and other inclement weather that is large enough to accommodate all cervids comfortably at one time.

2. Constructed Shelter: A well-drained structure that has a roof and affords protection from direct sun, wind, rain and other inclement weather that is large enough to accommodate all cervids comfortably at one time. No nails or other potential hazards may be exposed.

4. Cervids must be grouped in a way that will allow all cervids to receive an adequate amount of water, feed and shelter.

D. Carcass Disposal. All carcasses shall be managed in accordance with Chapter 211, Rules for the Disposal of Animal Carcasses.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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