Section 232-12-063. Live wildlife—Facility, fencing, and marking requirements.

(1) Secure facility:

(a) All captive wildlife held under a department issued permit must be held in a secure facility. For the purposes of this rule, a secure facility is an enclosure constructed to prevent danger to the environment or wildlife of the state, including escape of live wildlife specimens in captivity or ingress of resident wildlife ungulates (hoofed animals).

(b) For wildlife listed in WAC 232-12-064(2), the secure facility must comply with the fencing requirements in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Fencing requirements:

(a) Perimeter fences must be, at a minimum, 8 feet above ground level for their entire length. The bottom 6 feet must be mesh of sufficient size to prevent resident wildlife ungulates (hoofed animals) from entering and captive wildlife from escaping. If the wire used is not a full 8 feet in height, it must be overlapped one row and securely fastened at every other vertical row or woven together with cable. Supplemental wire required to attain a height of 8 feet may be smooth, barbed, or woven wire (at least 12 1/2 gauge) with strands spaced not more than 6 inches apart.

(b) Perimeter fences constructed of high tensile wire must be supported by a post or stay at minimum intervals of 8 feet.

(c) Perimeter fences must be at least 12 1/2 gauge woven wire, 14 1/2 gauge high-tensile woven wire, chain link, nonclimbable woven fence, or other fence approved by the director.

(d) Electric fencing materials may be used on perimeter fences only as a supplement to conventional fencing materials.

(e) All gates in the perimeter fences must be self-closing, equipped with 2 locking devices, and installed only in locations that have been approved by the director. Double gates may be required at points in the perimeter fences subject to frequent vehicle traffic that is not related to activities involving the holding of captive wildlife.

(f) Posts used in the perimeter fences must be:

(i) Wood (pressure treated), 5-inch minimum diameter or an equivalent as approved by the director;

(ii) Spaced no more than 24 feet apart with stays or supports at eight foot intervals between the posts;

(iii) Extended at least 8 feet above ground level; and

(iv) Constructed with corners braced with wood or with an equivalent material as approved by the director.

(g) Fences must be maintained at all times to prevent captive wildlife from escaping or resident wildlife ungulates (hoofed animals) from entering the enclosure. If animals pass through, under, or over the fence because of any topographic feature or other conditions, the person possessing wildlife must immediately supplement the fence to prevent continued passage.

(3) Marking requirements:

(a) All live specimens of wildlife identified in WAC 232-12-064(2) must be individually identified by:

(i) USDA official ear tags or ear tags supplied or approved by the department. Tags must be applied in sequential order; and

(ii) A tattoo with an identifying number that has been recorded with the director. The tattoo must be placed on the left ear of the animal.

(b) Identification assigned to an individual animal may not be transferred to any other animal.

(c) Where allowed, all lawful progeny of wildlife identified in WAC 232-12-064(2) must be tagged and tattooed by December 31st of the year of birth or upon leaving the holding facility, whichever is earlier.

(d) Where allowed, if wildlife identified in WAC 232-12-064(2) is sold or transferred within the state, the tag and tattoo must accompany the animal. The new owner or possessor may not renumber the animal.

(e) Where allowed, live specimens of wildlife identified in WAC 232-12-064(2) must be marked prior to importation.

(f) Wildlife identified in WAC 232-12-064(2) may not be sold or otherwise transferred from the holding facility.

(4) Violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 77.15.750, Unlawful use of a department permit—Penalty.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-02-043 (Order 12-290), § 232-12-063, filed 12/21/12, effective 1/21/13.]

RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-02-043 (Order 12-290), § 232-12-063, filed 12/21/12, effective 1/21/13.

Rules

232-12-064,232-12-064,232-12-064,232-12-064,232-12-064,232-12-064,