Pennsylvania Act 2013-31 — AGRICULTURE CODE (3 PA.C.S.) - DEFINITIONS AND SANITATION STANDARDS

Act text

Session of 2013

No. 2013-31

SB 526

AN ACT

Amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for definitions and for sanitation standards.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. The definition of "veterinarian-client-patient relationship" in section 2501 of Title 3 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended and the section is amended by adding definitions to read:

§ 2501. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

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"Interstate certificate of veterinary inspection." A legible official document that is:

(1) made on a form issued by the chief livestock health official of the state of origin or the United States Department of Agriculture;

(2) prepared by an accredited veterinarian of the state of origin certifying the health of the animal described in the certificate; and

(3) validated by the chief livestock health official of the state of origin.

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"Pennsylvania health certificate." A legible official document that is:

(1) made on a form (AAI-13) provided by the department; and

(2) prepared by an accredited Pennsylvania veterinarian or a representative of the department certifying the health of animals described in the certificate according to the health requirements established under Chapter 23 (relating to domestic animals) and regulations promulgated under Chapter 23.

["Veterinarian-client-patient] "Veterinarian consultation relationship." A relationship in which[:

(1) the veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making veterinary medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for veterinary medical treatment; and

(2)] the owner or caretaker of the animal has assumed responsibility to consult a veterinarian and has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian in relation to zoonotic diseases and implementing best management practices intended to reduce and prevent diseases .

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Section 2. Section 2502(a)(3) of Title 3 is amended to read:

§ 2502. Sanitation standards.

(a) Minimum.--The following sanitation standards are required to minimize the risk of contracting a zoonotic disease at an animal exhibition:

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(3) A person may not bring an animal to an animal exhibition unless the person [has an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship.] provides the operator with one of the following:

(i) Except as provided under subparagraph (ii), a valid Pennsylvania health certificate or interstate certificate of veterinary inspection.

(ii) A signed statement by the person attesting that a veterinarian consultation relationship exists with regard to each animal to be exhibited, if a Pennsylvania health certificate or interstate certificate of veterinary inspection is not specifically required under Chapter 23 (relating to domestic animals) and regulations promulgated under Chapter 23.

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Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

APPROVED--The 27th day of June, A.D. 202013.

TOM CORBETT