Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1)
General Animal Care. The Organization shall provide
staffing adequate to ensure the general care and maintenance of the Animals on
a daily basis. With due regard to the differences in species, breed, age, and
condition, the Organization shall ensure that every Animal:
(a) be kept clean and dry;
(b) be provided with emergency and standard
veterinary care in a timely manner by a Veterinarian or as prescribed by a
Veterinarian consistent with a valid veterinarian-client patient relationship,
pursuant to the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine regulations at
256 CMR
2.00: General Provisions. Emergency
care shall be provided immediately. Non-emergency veterinary care shall be
sought within 48 hours after the discovery of the need;
(c) be provided with sufficient fresh
food;
(d) be provided at all times,
or at regular intervals, with access to clean drinking water;
(e) be housed in an area having appropriate
temperature and ventilation;
(f) be
protected from weather and the elements;
(g) be provided with clean bowls, dishes, or
other containers for food and water;
(h) be free from contamination by excrement,
urine, or other matter;
(i) when
appropriate for the species, breed, and age, be given the opportunity to
exercise outside of its enclosure regularly in order to maintain the Animal in
good health and reduce the stress of confinement;
(j) when held in group housing, be housed in
compatible groups without overcrowding; and
(k) if a Dog or Cat, be examined by a
Veterinarian every 180 days.
(2)
Vaccinations and
Testing. Vaccination and testing schedules shall apply based on
the age of the Dog or Cat as follows, or in accordance with the most recent
recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American
Association of Feline Practitioners in effect at the time of vaccination:
(a) Any Dog four weeks of age or older shall
receive a DHPP/DA2PP vaccine upon intake, unless prior veterinary records
indicate a current vaccination status.
(b) Any Cat four weeks of age or older shall
receive a FVRCP vaccine upon intake, unless prior veterinary records indicate a
current vaccination status.
(c) Any
Dog between four weeks and five months of age shall receive a DHPP/DA2PP
vaccine, every two to three weeks from the time of initial administration until
it reaches five months of age.
(d)
Any Cat between four weeks and five months of age shall receive a FVRCP vaccine
every two to three weeks from the time of initial administration until it
reaches five months of age.
(e) Any
Dog five months of age or older shall receive a DHPP/DA2PP vaccine upon intake.
Any Cat five months of age or older shall receive a FVRCP vaccine upon intake.
Vaccination upon intake is required, unless prior veterinary records indicate
the Dog or Cat is currently vaccinated.
(f) Any Dog, Cat, or ferret six months of age
or older shall be vaccinated against rabies by a Veterinarian, as stated in
M.G.L. c. 140, § 145B.
(g) Any
Dog six months of age or older shall be tested for heartworm as soon as
practicable.
(3)
Behavior. The Organization shall document any
behavioral information received on intake as well as any behavioral
observations made while the animal was in the Organization's possession. The
observations and findings shall be documented in the Individual Animal Record,
in accordance with 330 CMR 30.11(2)(1). Any Animal with behavioral issues that
may pose a safety risk to humans or other animals, such as aggression, will
also need to comply with the provisions of 330 CMR 30.09(4).
(4)
Euthanasia.
Euthanasia shall be performed in accordance with current American Veterinary
Medical Association guidelines and as specified in 330 CMR 30.06(4).
(a) Euthanasia for Dogs and Cats shall be
performed by a Veterinarian or by an individual trained in humane euthanasia
and operating under the direction and supervision of a Veterinarian. Other
methods of euthanasia may be deemed acceptable for other species in accordance
with the American Veterinary Medical Association's Guidelines for the
Euthanasia of Animals.
(b) The
Organization shall record the date of euthanasia, the methods used, and the
reasons for euthanasia, and the name of the individual who performed the
procedure. A copy of these records shall be maintained in accordance with 330
CMR 30.11.
(5)
Breeding Prohibited. The Organization shall take
stringent steps to prevent the intentional or negligent breeding of Animals.
Intentional breeding of any Animal may serve as grounds for permanent
revocation of an Organization's License or Import License, in accordance with
330 CMR 30.13(2).
(6)
Zoonotic Disease. In addition to the requirements of
M.G.L. c. 129, § 28, if an Animal is found to have a Zoonotic Disease, the
Organization shall promptly notify its Veterinarian. The Organization's
Veterinarian may notify the Department and request recommendations relative to
protective clothing, equipment, and procedures necessary to protect human and
animal health. The Department will consult with the Massachusetts Department of
Public Health or other appropriate resources as it deems necessary.
