§ 22-308 — Livestock. Importation permit. Certificate of veterinary inspection. Requirements. Return of import permit to commissioner. Exemptions. Exhibition permit.

(a) All livestock brought into this state shall be accompanied by a livestock importation permit obtained from the commissioner and a certificate of veterinary inspection. Such certificate of veterinary inspection shall include the following: (1) Date of examination, (2) physical location of origin of such livestock, (3) name and mailing address of the consignor, (4) physical location of the destination in this state, (5) name and mailing address of the consignee, (6) official identification of each animal's age, sex, breed and species for each animal represented on the certificate of veterinary inspection, and (7) results of all tests required by this chapter. At the time of examination, the issuing veterinarian shall verify that each animal represented on the certificate of veterinary inspection bears identification tags or other identification to officially identify the livestock. Such certificate of veterinary inspection shall also include a statement verifying that the livestock identified on the document have been inspected and that they are free from clinical signs of any contagious, infectious or communicable diseases and that the livestock do not originate from an area of quarantine, infestation or infection. A certificate of veterinary inspection shall be valid for thirty days after the date of issuance and shall be signed by an accredited veterinarian. Any livestock import permit issued pursuant to this section shall expire fifteen days after the date of issuance. (b) Not later than forty-eight hours after imported livestock arrives at the destination for such livestock in this state, the owner of such livestock shall complete and return the import permit to the commissioner and report the number of each species imported and include a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection that accompanied the livestock into this state. (c) The commissioner may refuse to grant a livestock import permit to any person, or any officer or agent of any corporation, who violates any statute or regulation governing the importation of livestock. Whenever an import permit is refused or revoked, the commissioner shall notify such person importing the livestock of the violations and corrections necessary and, after making corrections, such person may reapply for a livestock import permit. (d) Livestock brought into this state: (1) For the purpose of immediate slaughter upon premises where federal inspection is maintained, (2) to a slaughter facility approved by the commissioner, or (3) to a licensed livestock commission sales stable authorized to handle out-of-state livestock by the USDA and the State Veterinarian, shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, provided all such livestock transported into this state are accompanied with an owner-shipper statement that shall include the following: (A) The name and address of the consignor and the consignee; (B) the point of origin of such livestock and identification of the premises that is the destination for such livestock; (C) the date of entry into the state and a statement that all livestock are consigned for immediate slaughter; (D) a listing of official identification of each animal, as required in subsection (a) of this section; and (E) the signature of the shipper certifying that the animals are imported for slaughter only. (e) Any person who transports livestock or equines into this state for exhibition or competition purposes may obtain an exhibition permit from the commissioner prior to entering the state. Livestock or equines listed in the exhibition permit and on the certificate of veterinary inspection shall be exempt from the requirement for a new certificate of veterinary inspection every thirty days for the duration of the exhibition permit. All tests required pursuant to this chapter and chapter 438a, as applicable, to qualify for importation shall be listed on the certificate of veterinary inspection and shall be kept current for the duration of the exhibition permit. Exhibition permits shall expire six months after the date of issuance.

Legislative History

(1949 Rev., S. 3359; 1949, S. 1808d; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-267, S. 4; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 23-187, S. 13.) History: 1959 act replaced commissioner of agriculture with commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act replaced commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture and natural resources; 1971 act replaced commissioner of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture; P.A. 77-267 made provisions applicable to goats in addition to cattle; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 23-187 deleted existing provisions and added Subsec. (a) re requirement for livestock importation permit and accompanying certificate of veterinary inspection, Subsec. (b) re completion and return of import permit to commissioner, Subsec. (c) re grounds for refusal to issue permit, Subsec. (d) re exemptions from requirements of Subsec. (a) for livestock brought into state for immediate slaughter or brought to a commission sales stable, and Subsec. (e) re requirements for an exhibition permit for livestock or horses brought into state for competition or exhibition, effective June 28, 2023.