15A NCAC 10H .1104. CAGES

(a)  Types of Cages.  Cages for holding the animals being propagated shall be of two types:

(1)           Breeder cages shall be used to hold a pair of animals for breeding and to hold the female and her litter from the time the litter is born until weaning;

(2)           Pelter cages shall be used only to hold single animals.

(b)  Sizes of Cages.  The minimum dimensions of cages in depth (d), width (w) and height (h) measured in feet shall be as follows depending on the species of animals being held:

 

SPECIES                               BREEDER CAGE               PELTER CAGE

(d x w x h)                             (d x w x h)

 

Beaver                                   3 x 6 x 2.5                             3 x 4 x 2.5

Bobcat                                   3 x 6 x 2.5                             3 x 4 x 2.5

Fox                                         3 x 6 x 2.5                             2.5 x 4 x 2.5

Mink                                      2 x 3 x 1.5                             2 x 2 x 1.5

Nutria                                     3 x 3 x 2.0                             3 x 2 x 2.0

Opossum                               3 x 3 x 2.0                             3 x 2 x 2.0

Otter                                       3 x 5 x 1.5                             3 x 3 x 1.5

Raccoon                                                3 x 4 x 2.0                             3 x 2 x 2.0

Skunk                                    3 x 3 x 1.5                             3 x 2 x 1.5

Weasel                                   2 x 2 x 1.5                             1 x 2 x 1.5

 

(c)  Cage Construction.  The cages must be sturdily constructed of appropriate materials sufficient to retain the animals without tethers or chains, which may be used to restrain the animals only during the transfer of the animals from one cage to another.  Cages must be provided with den areas in which the animals can retire from view and which are large enough to permit the animals to turn around and lie down.

(d)  Cage Arrangement.  All cages must be maintained within a larger escape‑proof enclosure that must also be designed to prevent access by domestic dogs and cats.  The cages must provide protection of the animals from excess exposure to the sun and inclement weather.  The cages must be solidly based at least two feet above ground or floor level to facilitate cleaning.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑273;

Eff. April 1, 1986.