02 NCAC 52J .0104          DEFINITIONS

As used in this Subchapter:

(1)           "Accessories" means any objects used in cleaning and sanitizing primary enclosures, exercise areas, or objects to which an animal may have access, including, but not limited to toys, blankets, food and water utensils, and bedding.

(2)           "Adequate" means a condition which, when met, does not jeopardize an animal's comfort, safety or health. Adequate veterinary care means provision of veterinary care sufficient to address the relief of pain and/or suffering experienced by the animal and sufficient to address the medical condition.

(3)           "Behavioral-control device" means any apparatus used to control a pet animal's behavior.

(4)           "Cage" means a primary enclosure which is enclosed on all sides including the top and bottom.

(5)           "Compatible group" means all animals in the group comingle peacefully without the presence of aggressive, harassing, and/or agitating behaviors toward any other member(s) of the group.

(6)           "Common area(s)" means areas of the facility in which multiple animals may have access such as walkway(s), facility lobby(ies), hallway(s), area(s) around primary enclosures and exercise areas, and other such similar areas.

(7)           "Disposition" means the adoption, death, euthanasia, release, sale, trade, or transfer from a facility.

(8)           "Enrichment" means providing objects or activities, appropriate to the needs of the species as well as the age, size, and condition of the animal, that stimulates the pet and promotes the pet's well-being.

(9)           Exercise area means an enclosed space in which an animal(s) is confined, and which is large enough for species-appropriate activity such as walking, running, climbing, jumping, socialization and/or play to occur.

(10)         "Husbandry" means the practice of daily care administered to animals.

(11)         "Impervious to moisture" means a surface that prevents the absorption of fluids and that can be thoroughly and repeatedly sanitized, will not retain odors, and from which fluids bead up and run off or can be removed without being absorbed into the surface material.

(12)         "Infirm" means not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness.

(13)         "Isolation" means the separation, for the period of communicability, of infected animals from others in such a place and under such conditions to prevent the direct or indirect transmission of the infectious agent from those infected to those that are susceptible or that may spread the agent to others.

(14)         "Isolation area" means a location where animals infected with disease may be placed to contain, control, and limit the spread of the disease.

(15)         "License period" means July 1 through June 30.

(16)         "Long term care" means the housing of an animal for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

(17)         "Potable" means suitable for drinking.

(18)         "Properly cleaned" means the removal of carcasses, debris, food waste, excrement, urine, dirty or soiled accessories and other organic material with adequate frequency.

(19)         "Social interaction" means friendly physical contact or play between animals of the same species or with a person. Physical contact or play with the caretaker during cage cleaning and/or sanitation is not considered social interaction.

(20)         "Special provisions" means additional procedures, protocols, and/or equipment used when caring for, housing and/or transporting animals with special needs. Examples of animals with "special needs" include, but are not limited to, brachycephalic breeds, very young or old animals, animals with a medical condition, infirm animals, and/or animals that are compromised or debilitated.

(21)         "Suitable method of drainage" means drainage that allows for the elimination of water and waste products, prevents contamination of animals, allows animals to remain dry, and complies with applicable building codes and local ordinances.

(22)         "Supervision " means at least one person (at least 16 years of age) present, at all times, able to constantly, directly view all animals within the entirety of each enclosure or exercise area.

(23)         "Surgical procedure" for the purposes of this Subchapter means any invasive procedure performed on an animal to include, but not be limited to: procedures to spay or neuter, any procedure that invades a body cavity and/or requires suturing or repairing of tissues; and/or any treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision, manipulation or alteration of organs or tissues with the hands or with instruments. For the purposes of this Subchapter, insertion of a microchip is not considered to be a surgical procedure.

(24)         "Veterinarian" means a veterinarian who is currently licensed by North Carolina and/or an adjacent state. The license must be valid with the appropriate state regulatory agency.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 19A-24;

Eff. January 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. September 1, 2022.