Bill No.: HB0018                  Drafter: MRW

LSO No.:  11LSO-0150              Effective Date:  3/2/2011

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0031

Chapter No.:       96

Prime Sponsor:     Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee

Catch Title:       Quarantine of animals.

Subject:  Clarifies the authority of the state veterinarian to quarantine, sell and treat animals residing or imported into the state.

Summary/Major Elements:

● This act modifies the current authority of the state veterinarian to compel treatment, testing, vaccination or quarantine of animals in Wyoming found to be infected or exposed to disease.

● Eliminates the language which previously provided the state veterinarian with authority to compel dipping, spraying or other treatment.

● Authority of the state veterinarian in this regard extends to any animal imported into Wyoming in violation of statute or rule and regulation.

● This act also provides decisions made in reference to imported animals are subject to the same due process requirements as outlined in the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act and W.S. 11-19-103.  Previously the statutes were silent on these two aspects.

● This act specifies penalties for failure to abide by the statutes in relation to quarantine or the state veterinarian’s orders.  Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) and imprisonment up to six (6) months for the first offense, and a fine up to fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500.00) and imprisonment of up to a year for any second or subsequent offense.