COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - State industry and animal welfare advocates say new rules on the handling of Ohio farm animals that take effect later this month will make the state a leader in setting standards for livestock care.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is midway through holding meetings around the state to introduce the new requirements. They cover the proper feeding, restraint, housing and health care for a full range of animals including poultry, cattle, pigs, horses and alpacas.
The rules officially go on the books on Sept. 29, with a signature from state Agriculture Director Jim Zehringer. He tells The Columbus Dispatch that Ohio becomes the first state to adopt sweeping standards for livestock management, transportation and slaughter.
Violations can bring fines of up to $10,000 for major, repeat offenders.
(Information in the following story is from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com )