01-001-352 Me. Code R. § VIII

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 001-352-VIII - PERMITS AND GUIDELINES

A. An Import Permit must be obtained from the Division of Veterinary Services.

B. Guidelines for care and propagation of domesticated deer must be obtained from the Division of Production and Development.

C. Guidelines for controls prior to slaughter must be obtained from the Animal Welfare Board.

The proposed regulations are based on the same standards that existed in Maine under the Maine Meat Act (1969-1980) which governed all meat establishments in Maine. The Maine Meat Act was equal to the USDA function in 1980.

The state feels that the slaughter standards for domesticated deer be as stringent as past standards for other meats in order to provide adequate protection to consumers or such products.

A letter directed to this office from the Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife expressed concern about the prevention of escapes of domestic deer into the wild. The Commissioner found that this concern could best be addressed in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Rules Chapter 220 governing importation of deer into Maine.

01-001 C.M.R. ch. 352, § VIII