Ohio Administrative Code
Title 901:1 - Animal Industry
Chapter 901:1-4 - Dangerous Wild Animals
Section 901:1-4-01.1 - Enclosures for dangerous wild animals

Universal Citation: OH Admin Code 901:1-4-01.1

Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024

Unless otherwise specified, all enclosures for dangerous wild animals as defined by division (C) of section 935.01 of the Revised Code must meet the minimum requirements listed in this rule.

(A) Animals shall be housed and kept in double containment, consisting of a primary and a secondary enclosure as specified by this chapter for the species being kept.

(B) Enclosures must be inspected and maintained daily and any deficits shall be corrected as soon as possible.

The animal may be moved to another secure area temporarily to correct any deficits. If a temporary move is required the facility veterinarian must be notified. If the temporary move is greater than twenty four hours, the veterinarian must concur with the selection of the temporary site and the duration of the move.

(C) A primary enclosure shall:

(1) Be sufficiently strong to prevent escape;

(2) If roofed, the roof must be attached to and be of the same or equivalent strength as the sides of the primary enclosure;

(3) Protect the contained animal from injury;

(4) Provide species appropriate substrate for the health and well-being of the animals;

(5) Be equipped with a safety entrance;

(6) Have at least one elevated platform or bedding material for resting to accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously;

(7) Be of a size and complexity to provide for the animal's physical welfare and behavioral and social enrichment;

(8) Include a shelter; and,

(9) Include a dig barrier unless the floor of the primary enclosure is concrete, bedrock, or another impervious material that is appropriate for the animal in the enclosure.

(D) If used to construct a primary enclosure, chain link fence must be secured on the inside of the primary enclosure's posts.

(E) Aggressive or incompatible animals shall be housed separately.

(F) Fecal and food waste shall be removed from the primary enclosure regularly, as appropriate for the species, and stored or disposed of in a manner to protect the health and well-being of the animals, owners, and staff.

(G) Primary enclosures shall be cleaned daily and hard surfaces disinfected a minimum of once weekly.

(H) New or diseased animals shall be housed separately and handled in a manner to minimize distress and the likelihood of spreading disease to other animals.

(I) Non-injurious enrichment opportunities shall be provided to ensure the animal's physical stimulation and psychological needs are met, and shall be compatible with the species and number of animals.

(J) Each primary enclosure shall have a shift cage sized appropriate to the number, size and compatibility of the animals.

(1) Shift cages shall be constructed of material equivalent to the primary enclosure and be sufficiently strong to prevent escape.

(2) The shift cage shall be separated from the primary enclosure by a door of equivalent material that can be locked in the closed or open position.

(3) Shift cage door controls shall be protected from the animal in the primary enclosure.

(K) Cantilever fencing, as required in this chapter, shall be:

(1) Made of either:
(a) Chain link or a material of equivalent strength with an electrified top wire ; or,

(b) At least two high tension cables with a separate electrified top wire. If used, these cables must be evenly spaced to prevent escape.

(2) A minimum of three feet in width from the base of the cantilever to the top of the cantilever; and,

(3) Attached to the top of the primary enclosure at a forty-five degree angle into the enclosure.

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(L) Electric fencing may be used in a primary enclosure, but it cannot be used as the sole method of containment in a primary enclosure.

(M) Secondary enclosures shall:

(1) Be a minimum of eight feet in height;

(2) Be a minimum of eight feet from the nearest primary enclosure; and,

(3) Not have any wall in common with any primary enclosure.

(N) Electric fencing may be used in a secondary enclosure as appropriate for the species. Safety signs must be conspicuously displayed on any electrified section of the enclosure.

(O) A solid building may be used as part of the secondary enclosure if the following are true:

(1) The building extends all the way to the ground for the entire length serving as a secondary enclosure; and,

(2) The building meets the minimum height requirements for secondary enclosure fencing.

(P) Temperature, ventilation and lighting:

(1) Adequate measures shall be taken so that climatic conditions do not pose a threat to the animal. The animal's age, overall health and acclimation shall be taken into consideration when taking measures to minimize these conditions;

(2) A species appropriate means of thermo-regulating and an adequate UV source shall be provided;

(3) Indoor housing ventilation shall provide for health, comfort and welfare of animals by minimizing drafts, odors, dust, ammonia levels, and moisture condensation; and

(4) Light intensity shall be sufficient for observation and cleaning.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Ohio 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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