South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 120 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Section 120-12 - Veterinary Medicine and Animal Shelters
Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 120-12
Current through Register Vol. 48, 12, December 27, 2024
A. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context is clearly indicated otherwise:
1. "Animal" means any
nonaquatic pet that is in the custody or care of an animal shelter.
2. "Enclosure" means a structure used to
house or restrict animals from running at large such as a room, pen, run,
compartment, hutch, terrarium, or otherwise confined habitat.
3. "Facility" means an animal shelter as
defined in S.C. Code Section
40-69-300(A)(1)
that provides veterinary services as defined in S.C. Code Section
40-69-300(A)(2).
4. "Records" mean (a) origin of animals
(including names and addresses of consignors) and date animals were received;
(b) description of animals including species, age, sex, breed, color markings,
and microchip; (c) location of animal if not kept at facility; (d) disposition
of animals including name and address of person to whom animal is sold, traded,
or adopted, or address of an organization or institution to which the animal is
transferred and the date of such transaction; in the event of death, the record
shall show the date, signs of illness, or cause of death if identified; if
euthanized, the record shall show date and type of euthanasia; and (e) record
of veterinary care including treatments, immunization and date, time and
description of medication (including name and dosage), and initials of person
administering any product or procedure. Copies of records relating to an animal
whose ownership is being transferred that are provided to the owner at the time
of adoption or fostering are limited to the records identified in (A)(4)(b) and
(e).
B. General provisions.
1. Each facility shall be kept in
a clean, dry and sanitary condition and shall provide enclosures that can
safely house and allow for adequate separation of animals of different species,
sexes, ages, and temperament. Animals shall be maintained in a manner that
protects them against theft, injury, escape and exposure to harmful
substances.
2. Each facility shall
ensure that all enclosures provide adequate shelter that is properly ventilated
that can be maintained at a comfortable temperature for the animals confined
therein. An enclosure shall not be cleaned when occupied by an animal unless
the animal can be further confined in a portion of the enclosure that precludes
exposure to any cleaning agent including water and shall be thoroughly dry
before the enclosure is returned to use. A disinfectant or germicidal agent
shall be used when cleaning an enclosure before being used by a different
animal.
3. Regarding an animal
subject to a holding period, each facility shall house the animal in an
enclosure and portions thereof entirely constructed of materials that are
durable, nonporous, impervious to moisture, and able to be thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected.
4. Each facility
shall ensure that clean drinking water is available to each animal at all times
unless otherwise ordered by a licensed veterinarian. Drinking water receptacles
or bowls shall be secured to the enclosure in a fixed position or otherwise be
of a design that cannot be tipped over by an animal and shall be maintained in
a sanitary condition.
5. Each
facility shall ensure that animals are adequately and appropriately fed
according to the species and age and that feed is stored in a manner that
prevents spoilage, infestation, and contamination. All feed delivery utensils
and receptacles shall be properly cleaned between uses.
6. Each facility shall ensure that each
animal is provided access to a resting platform, bedding, or perch as
appropriate to its species, age and condition. All enclosure shall have solid
floors.
C. Provision of veterinary treatment.
1. Each facility shall
engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for determining
if an ill, injured, or otherwise compromised animal requires treatment by a
licensed veterinarian. Each facility shall adhere to this protocol and provide
veterinary treatment when needed.
2. Each facility shall engage a licensed
veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the control of infectious and
contagious disease and shall adhere to such protocol. Each facility shall
provide a marked isolation room for the confinement of animals suffering from a
contagious or infectious disease.
3. Each facility shall engage a licensed
veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the management of neonatal and
medically compromised animals and shall adhere to such protocol. Enclosures
shall be maintained that can properly and safely house such animals.
4. Each facility shall engage a licensed
veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the administration of core
vaccines at or prior to intake and revaccination for animals that are housed
for extended periods of time. Core vaccines for cats include feline viral
rhinotracheitis, caliciviris, and panleukopenia; for dogs, distemper,
hepatitis, parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirous and Bordetella
bronchiseptica. Animals shall be vaccinated for rabies at or shortly after
release.
D. Veterinary services.
1. A veterinarian who provides
veterinary services to animals in shelters is required to prepare and keep
records as required by S.C. Code Section
40-69-300(C).
2. Where a shelter or a licensed veterinarian
in conjunction with a shelter provides veterinary services, the licensed
veterinarian is subject to requirements as set forth in S.C. Code Section
40-69-30
et seq. and this chapter.
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