Ohio Livestock Care Standards Take Effect

New Animal Care Rules In Effect as of Thursday, September 29

Comprehensive animal care rules developed by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board went into effect Thursday, September 29 when Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Jim Zehringer signed the final administrative order at a special ceremony in Fort Recovery.

The process began in 2009, when the Ohio Constitution required the establishment of comprehensive livestock care standards following passage of state Issue 2. The ballot initiative required the creation of the 13-member Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board responsible for obtaining industry and public input in developing livestock rules for alpacas, beef, dairy, goats, horses, llamas, pork, poultry, sheep and veal. As part of the process, ODA and Ohio’s farm organizations did extensive outreach to inform Ohioans raising or caring for livestock about the new rules, including the development of printable guides to help producers understand the new standards and a series of information sessions.

The Ohio Agribusiness Association (OABA) encourages members who deal with livestock to become familiar with the new compliance rules and requirements. Information about the livestock care standards and printable guides can be found on ODA’s website.