IBOAH Proposes Standards for Animal Care

Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) voted to move forward with a proposal to establish minimum standards of care for livestock and poultry in Indiana.

Presented for the first time during the April 14 meeting, the proposal seeks to create a baseline for care build on five core principles:

  • Food and water
  • Shelter
  • Animal disease, injury and treatment
  • Animal stewardship
  • Handling and transportation

BOAH veterinarians routinely assist local law enforcement agencies with determinations in cases of animal abuse and neglect, which violate Indiana cruelty laws. For the first time, these core principles provide definition to acceptable levels of care for livestock and poultry species.

“This is an issue that stirs a lot of passion and emotion in many people from different perspectives. By recognizing five core principles that apply to all Hoosier livestock and poultry producers, we feel this identifies a place of common ground to ensure all animals are cared for in the best ways possible. This is an innovative approach to the issue, and we feel this is the right direction for the state of Indiana,” said Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh.

In 2010, the Indiana General Assembly officially tasked, by state statute, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health with developing standards of care for livestock and poultry in the state. The Board, which has been in existence in 1889, is comprised of 11 members, representing different livestock species sectors, poultry industry, companion animals and the veterinary community.

As the first reading, the Board has opened a comment period, which will end with a public hearing before Board members vote on the final version after a second reading. A copy of the proposal may be viewed online at the Board of Animal Health’s web site at:  www.boah.in.gov . Comments may be submitted to the agency, during the public comment period, via email at animalhealth@boah.in.gov

April 21, 2011 09:46 am | Education and Issues and News and Resources


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