A.
Purpose. While the benefit of
human-to-animal contact is recognized, infectious diseases, rabies
exposure, and injury have occurred in contact settings between humans
and animals. The standards as outlined in this article are established
in an effort to minimize risks of diseases and injuries from animals
in public settings.
B.
AGRICULTURAL FAIRS
ANIMAL OWNERS
ANIMAL RIDES
PETTING ZOO
VENUE OPERATORS
Definitions. As used in this
section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Livestock or farm animals usually exhibited as prize breeds
for show.
Any person, partnership, business, corporation which holds
title to animals involved in an exhibit.
Beasts of burden such as horses, ponies, mules, donkeys,
etc., which provide entertainment for visitor to ride, usually limited
to a confined area.
Domestic and/or farm animals contained in a pen or corral
whereby visitors can pet or feed the animals.
Any person of legal age employed to monitor activities of
the event featuring domestic, farm animals or live stock during an
event.
C.
It shall be unlawful for any
animal owner or venue operators to exhibit animals in a public setting
or at an event without first obtaining a temporary license to do so
from the Township of Union Health Department.
D.
An animal owner, venue operator
or exhibit promoter shall file an application for a license with the
Health Department of the Township of Union at least two weeks prior
to the planned event or exhibit.
E.
The application information shall
include:
(1)
The name, address, and phone
number of the owner of the animals;
(2)
The name(s), address(s),
and phone number(s) of the veterinarian(s) caring for the animals;
(3)
The breed of animal(s) to
be exhibited and a statement from the veterinarian as the current
health condition, including the fact that the animal(s) have had all
appropriate vaccinations including for mammals a current rabies inoculation;
(4)
A statement from the veterinarian
that the owner or venue operator whoever will oversee the animal(s)
during the event is familiar with basic risk reduction recommendations
to prevent animal to human diseases;
(5)
A statement that those staff
members so named in the statement who will be employed at the event
have had equal training on disease risk reduction;
(6)
A diagram prepared by the
owner or vendor operator drafted to scale showing the layout of the
exhibit focusing on nonanimal areas and animal areas. The diagram
shall include location of signage and hand washing areas, pre- and
post-animal areas. Include the message of the signs; in example: a
nonanimal area into the animal area warning to prevent the public
from eating nonanimal food; prohibiting strollers, baby bottles, pacifiers,
food and/or beverages into the animal area; exiting signs which also
instruct the public to wash hands and having hand-washing stations
available.
F.
Animal areas must be monitored
by staff at all times to prevent overcrowding, the segregated feeding
and watering of the animals outside of the access of the public; the
prompt removal of manure and soiled bedding with appropriate tools
not accessible to the public; removal of waste to be directed away
from visitors area; discourage hand-to-mouth contact of children,
process reports of injuries, bites and/or exposures; monitor wellness
and stress of animals and remove any that become ill, aggressive or
difficult.
G.
The sale or distribution of animal
food shall carry verbal warning that this is not for human consumption.
Unpasteurized dairy products as well as unpasteurized apple cider
or juice is prohibited. Only potable water shall be used for human
consumption and water for animals and hoses accessible to the public
must be labeled "not for human consumption."
H.
Fee required for a temporary
license to exhibit animals and the license shall not exceed three
days. The fee is $100.
