02 NCAC 52J .0205          FEEDING

(a)  Adult dogs and cats and puppies and kittens older than six months shall be fed at least once each 24-hour period.

(b)  Puppies and kittens less than six months of age shall be fed at least twice in each 24-hour period. An eight-hour interval between feedings is required if only two feedings are offered in a 24-hour period.

(c)  Should a veterinarian prescribe a feeding regime different from the ones described in Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule for a specific animal, documentation of such veterinary care is required and shall include:

(1)           the original veterinary directive signed by the veterinarian issuing it;

(2)           the printed name of the veterinarian;

(3)           the reason for the restriction;

(4)           the specific feeding directions;

(5)           the origination and review dates of the directive;

(6)           the facility shall have the veterinarian review and renew the directive every 30 days until it is no longer required;

(7)           the date of the cessation of the directive; and

(8)           documentation by the facility of each feeding as prescribed by the veterinarian.

(d)  Food shall be commercially prepared food which complies with laws applicable to animal feed or the food shall be provided by the owner.

(e)  The food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quality and quantity appropriate of the given size, age, and condition of an animal to meet the daily requirements for nutritional value.

(f)  Food receptacles shall be accessible to all dogs or cats and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by waste.

(g)  For every adult animal, there shall be at least one food receptacle offered. When multiple animals are housed together, caretakers shall observe each animal feeding to ensure that each animal receives adequate feed.

(h)  Food receptacles shall be durable and shall be kept clean and sanitized.

(i)  Uneaten food within food receptacles shall be discarded within 24 hours or sooner if spoiled or contaminated.

(j)  Damaged food receptacles shall be replaced. Disposable food receptacles may be used but shall be discarded after each feeding.

(k)  Food and water receptacles in outdoor facilities shall be protected from the elements.

(l)  This Rule is applicable only to animals, as defined in G.S. 19A-23(4), subject to the Animal Welfare Act.

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

Eff. April 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2005; April 1, 1985;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2022.