S.C. Code Regs. § § 120-12

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 120-12 - Veterinary Medicine and Animal Shelters

A. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context is clearly indicated otherwise:

1. "Animal" means any nonaquatic pet that is in the custody or care of an animal shelter.

2. "Enclosure" means a structure used to house or restrict animals from running at large such as a room, pen, run, compartment, hutch, terrarium, or otherwise confined habitat.

3. "Facility" means an animal shelter as defined in S.C. Code Section 40-69-300(A)(1) that provides veterinary services as defined in S.C. Code Section 40-69-300(A)(2).

4. "Records" mean (a) origin of animals (including names and addresses of consignors) and date animals were received; (b) description of animals including species, age, sex, breed, color markings, and microchip; (c) location of animal if not kept at facility; (d) disposition of animals including name and address of person to whom animal is sold, traded, or adopted, or address of an organization or institution to which the animal is transferred and the date of such transaction; in the event of death, the record shall show the date, signs of illness, or cause of death if identified; if euthanized, the record shall show date and type of euthanasia; and (e) record of veterinary care including treatments, immunization and date, time and description of medication (including name and dosage), and initials of person administering any product or procedure. Copies of records relating to an animal whose ownership is being transferred that are provided to the owner at the time of adoption or fostering are limited to the records identified in (A)(4)(b) and (e).

B. General provisions.

1. Each facility shall be kept in a clean, dry and sanitary condition and shall provide enclosures that can safely house and allow for adequate separation of animals of different species, sexes, ages, and temperament. Animals shall be maintained in a manner that protects them against theft, injury, escape and exposure to harmful substances.

2. Each facility shall ensure that all enclosures provide adequate shelter that is properly ventilated that can be maintained at a comfortable temperature for the animals confined therein. An enclosure shall not be cleaned when occupied by an animal unless the animal can be further confined in a portion of the enclosure that precludes exposure to any cleaning agent including water and shall be thoroughly dry before the enclosure is returned to use. A disinfectant or germicidal agent shall be used when cleaning an enclosure before being used by a different animal.

3. Regarding an animal subject to a holding period, each facility shall house the animal in an enclosure and portions thereof entirely constructed of materials that are durable, nonporous, impervious to moisture, and able to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

4. Each facility shall ensure that clean drinking water is available to each animal at all times unless otherwise ordered by a licensed veterinarian. Drinking water receptacles or bowls shall be secured to the enclosure in a fixed position or otherwise be of a design that cannot be tipped over by an animal and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

5. Each facility shall ensure that animals are adequately and appropriately fed according to the species and age and that feed is stored in a manner that prevents spoilage, infestation, and contamination. All feed delivery utensils and receptacles shall be properly cleaned between uses.

6. Each facility shall ensure that each animal is provided access to a resting platform, bedding, or perch as appropriate to its species, age and condition. All enclosure shall have solid floors.

C. Provision of veterinary treatment.

1. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for determining if an ill, injured, or otherwise compromised animal requires treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Each facility shall adhere to this protocol and provide veterinary treatment when needed.

2. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the control of infectious and contagious disease and shall adhere to such protocol. Each facility shall provide a marked isolation room for the confinement of animals suffering from a contagious or infectious disease.

3. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the management of neonatal and medically compromised animals and shall adhere to such protocol. Enclosures shall be maintained that can properly and safely house such animals.

4. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the administration of core vaccines at or prior to intake and revaccination for animals that are housed for extended periods of time. Core vaccines for cats include feline viral rhinotracheitis, caliciviris, and panleukopenia; for dogs, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirous and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Animals shall be vaccinated for rabies at or shortly after release.

D. Veterinary services.

1. A veterinarian who provides veterinary services to animals in shelters is required to prepare and keep records as required by S.C. Code Section 40-69-300(C).

2. Where a shelter or a licensed veterinarian in conjunction with a shelter provides veterinary services, the licensed veterinarian is subject to requirements as set forth in S.C. Code Section 40-69-30 et seq. and this chapter.

S.C. Code Regs. § 120-12

Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2012; State Register Volume 43, Issue No. 04, eff. 4/26/2019.