02 NCAC 52J .0201. GENERAL

(a)  Housing facilities for dogs and cats shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury, contain the animals and restrict the entrance of other animals and people.

(b)  All light fixtures and electrical outlets in animal areas shall be in compliance with the State Building Code.

(c)  Facilities shall have reliable and safe electric power as necessary to comply with the Animal Welfare Act.

(d)  Supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect such supplies against infestation or contamination by vermin and insects.  All open bags of food shall be stored in airtight containers with lids.  Refrigeration shall be provided for supplies of perishable food.

(e)  Provisions shall be made for the daily removal and disposal of animal and food waste, bedding and debris from the housing facility in accordance with local ordinances, to assure facility will be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.

(f)  Hot and cold running, potable water must be available.  Facilities such as washroom, basin or sink shall be provided to maintain cleanliness among animal caretakers, animals, and animal food and water receptacles.

(g)  Each facility shall have the ability to confirm ambient temperature.

(h)  A separate five-foot perimeter fence is required if any animals have access to an outdoor enclosure, including unsupervised exercise areas.

(i)  An adequate drainage system must be provided for the housing facility.

(j)  All areas of a facility are subject to review or inspection by North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employees during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).

(k)  All animals in a facility are subject to the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, regardless of ownership.

(l)  A licensee or registrant shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, rules and ordinances relating to or affecting the welfare of dogs and cats in its facility.

(m)  No dog or cat shall be in a window display except during business hours and then only in compliance with standards set forth in this Section.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 19A‑24;

Eff. April 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2005.