Ariz. Admin. Code § 12-4-309

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Section R12-4-309 - Authorization for Use of Drugs on Wildlife

A. A person shall not administer any drug to any wildlife under the jurisdiction of the state, including but not limited to drugs used for fertility control, disease prevention or treatment, immobilization, or growth stimulation without written authorization from the Department or as otherwise provided under subsection (E). This authorization does not:

1. Exempt a person from any state or federal statute, rule, or regulation, or any municipal or county code or ordinance; or

2. Authorize a person to engage in any activity using federally protected wildlife.

B. A person requesting written authorization for the use of drugs on wildlife shall submit the request in writing to the Department at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 and at least 120 days before the anticipated start date of the activity. The written request shall include all of the following:

1. A plan that includes:

a. The purpose and need for the proposed activity;

b. A clear statement of the objectives; for fertility control the statement shall include the target wildlife population goals or densities and the anticipated time-frame for meeting these objectives;

c. A description of the agent, drug, or method and any mandated labeling restrictions or limitations designed to reduce or minimize detrimental effects to wildlife and humans;

d. Citations of published scientific literature documenting field studies on the efficacy and safety for both target and non-target species, including predators, scavengers, and humans;

e. A description of the activity area;

f. A description of the target species population and current status;

g. A description of the field methodology for delivery that includes the following, as applicable:

i. Timing,

ii. Sex and number of animals to be treated,

iii. Percentage of the population to be treated,

iv. Calculated population effect, and

v. Short and long term monitoring and evaluation procedures.

2. Documentation regarding the experience and credentials of the applicant or the applicant's agents as it applies to the requested activity;

3. Written permission from landowners or lessees in all locations where the drug will be administered; and

4. Written endorsement from the agency or institution; required when the applicant is a government agency, university, or other institution. The person signing the written endorsement shall have the authority to execute the written endorsement on behalf of the agency or institution.

C. The Department shall notify the applicant of the Department's decision to grant or deny the request within 90 days. The Department has the authority to place conditions on the written authorization regarding:

1. Locations and time-frames,

2. Drugs and methodology,

3. Limitations,

4. Reporting requirements, and

5. Any other conditions deemed necessary by the Department.

D. A person with authorization shall:

1. Carry written authorization while engaged in the activity and exhibit it upon request to any peace officer, wildlife manager, or game ranger;

2. Allow Department personnel to be present to monitor activities for compliance, public safety, and proper treatment of animals;

3. Adhere to all drug label restrictions and precautions;

4. Provide an annual and final report:

a. The annual report shall include the number of animals treated, the level of treatment effect obtained to date, and any problems including mortalities or morbidities of target animals. The person shall submit the annual report to the Department by January 31 of each year or as otherwise specified in the written authorization.

b. The final report shall include the end results, including the number of wildlife treated and treatment effects on target and non-target wildlife, including mortalities, morbidities, and reproductive rate changes. The person shall submit the final report to the Department no later than 90 days after the completion of the project for which the permit was issued.

5. Comply with all conditions and requirements set forth in the written authorization.

E. This Section does not prohibit the treatment of wildlife by a licensed veterinarian or holder of a special license in accordance with R12-4-407(B)(2) and (8), R12-4-413(K)(5), R12-4-420(J)(3), activities as authorized under R12-4-418, R12-4-420, R12-4-421, and R12-4-423, a person exempt from special licensing under R12-4-407(A)(4) and (5), or reasonable lethal removal activities for wildlife control as authorized under A.R.S. § 17-239(A).

F. This Section does not limit:

1. Department employees or Department agents in the performance of their official duties related to wildlife management,

2. The practices of aquaculture facilities administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and commercial aquaculture facilities operating under a valid license from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, or

3. The use of supplements or drugs as a part of conventional livestock operations where those supplements may incidentally be consumed by wildlife.

G. The Department shall take possession of and dispose of any remaining wildlife drugs administered in violation of this Section and any devices and paraphernalia used to administer those drugs as authorized under A.R.S. §§ 17-211(E), 17-231(A), and 17-240(B).

H. Require the person with authorization to indemnify the Department against any injury or damage resulting from the use of animal drugs.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-4-309

Amended effective May 21, 1975 (Supp. 75-1). Amended effective May 3, 1976 (Supp. 76-3). Amended effective March 7, 1979 (Supp. 79-2). Former Section R12-4-58 renumbered as Section R12-4-309 without change effective August 13, 1981 (Supp. 81-4). Former Section R12-4-309 repealed, new Section R12-4-309 adopted effective May 12, 1982 (Supp. 82-3). Amended subsection (A) effective July 3, 1984 (Supp. 84-4). Former Section R12-4-309 repealed, new Section R12-4-309 adopted effective December 30, 1988 (Supp. 88-4). Correction, former Historical Note should read "Former Section R12-4-309 repealed, new Section R12-4-309 adopted effective January 1, 1989, filed December 30, 1988" (Supp. 89-2). Amended effective March 1, 1991; filed February 28, 1991 (Supp. 91-1). Amended effective January 1, 1993; filed December 18, 1992 (Supp. 92-4). Amended effective January 1, 1997; filed with the Office of the Secretary of State November 7, 1996 (Supp. 96-4). Amended effective January 1, 1999; filed with the Office of the Secretary of State December 4, 1998 (Supp. 98-4). Section repealed by final rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 1702, effective March 11, 2002 (Supp. 02-1). New Section made by final rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 1460, effective September 11, 2010 (Supp. 10-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 826, effective July 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 25 A.A.R. 1048, effective 6/1/2019.