South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 27 - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY STATE LIVESTOCK-POULTRY HEALTH COMMISSION
Article 21 - EQUINE SLAUGHTER ONLY ASSEMBLY POINT FACILITY
Section 27-5000 - Definitions

A. Definition

Equine Slaughter Only Assembly Point -This facility shall be deemed to be one operated by a person or persons, firm or corporation, that shall on a continuing daily basis or on several days of each week, purchase equine from the general public, for immediate slaughter and such equine to be moved to a slaughter establishment within fifteen (15) days of purchase. Equine purchased by this facility or its representative may not be diverted for any purpose other than immediate slaughter.

In order to be licensed under this Regulation, the facility must have a current written agreement with an official government approved equine slaughter establishment. A copy of said agreement must be provided to the Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health Division prior to licensure.

B. Geographic Requirements

Owners/operators must comply with the quarantine requirements as established in 47-13-1350 at all times. If the facility operator does not possess sufficient property to establish the required separation distance utilizing his own property, such separation distance may be achieved by lease, easement or other interest in contiguous and adjacent real property. It is the responsibility of the facility operator to ensure that no equine at the facility comes any closer than the mandatory minimum 200 yards distance to any other equine legally on contiguous or adjacent public or private property.

C. Security

Adequate barns and pens must be of sufficient capacity and strength of enclosure to properly accommodate the anticipated number of animals that will be contained on the premise. There will also be required a perimeter fence at least two hundred yards from the holding facilities with gates locked when no facility personnel are present.

D. Humane Housing and Care of Animals

Animals must be housed in a facility that meets generally accepted standards for humane care, including adequate protection from adverse weather conditions and under a roofed facility and adequate provision for food and water.

The facility must provide a method of restraining animals for such procedures as identification, testing and treatment and in a manner that protects as much as possible against injury to animals and people.

E. Cleaning and Disinfection

All areas of the holding facilities shall have proper drainage and shall be cleaned and disinfected as the State Veterinarian or his authorized agent may prescribe.