Section 904.03. Factors to be considered in adopting rules governing care and well-being of livestock

(A) The Ohio livestock care standards board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing the care and well-being of livestock in this state. In adopting those rules, the board shall consider the following factors:

(1) Best management practices for the care and well-being of livestock;

(2) Biosecurity;

(3) The prevention of disease;

(4) Animal morbidity and mortality data;

(5) Food safety practices;

(6) The protection of local, affordable food supplies for consumers;

(7) Generally accepted veterinary medical practices, livestock practice standards, and ethical standards established by the American veterinary medical association;

(8) Any other factors that the board considers necessary for the proper care and well-being of livestock in this state.

With regard to organic producers that are certified by the United States department of agriculture under the national organic program, if there is a conflict between the rules adopted under this section and the standards established by the United States department of agriculture under the national organic program, the standards established under the national organic program shall prevail.

(B) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish the amount of civil penalties to be assessed against persons who violate the rules adopted under division (A) of this section.

(C) The rules adopted under this section do not apply to animals that are used in agricultural, biological, or biomedical research or confined in research or medical facilities that operate in accordance with "The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching" published by the federation of animal science societies or "The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" published by the national academy of sciences.

Added by 128th General AssemblyFile No.24, HB 414, §1, eff. 3/31/2010.