Ohio Administrative Code Title 901:1 - Animal Industry
Ohio Administrative Code Title 901:1 — Animal Industry
Overview
Title 901:1 of the Ohio Administrative Code governs the regulation of animal industries within Ohio, administered primarily by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). The rules focus on the health, welfare, identification, and disease control of livestock and other animals, including farm animals, equines, and livestock markets.
The overall purpose of this Title is to:
Protect public and animal health by controlling contagious diseases.
Regulate livestock identification and movement.
Oversee inspection and licensing of livestock markets and dealers.
Ensure compliance with standards related to animal welfare.
Key Provisions of OAC Title 901:1
1. Animal Health and Disease Control
Mandatory reporting of certain contagious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, brucellosis, pseudorabies).
Establishes procedures for testing, quarantine, and removal of infected or exposed animals.
Sets rules for vaccination, treatment, and certification of disease-free status.
Empowers ODA inspectors to investigate and enforce disease control measures.
2. Livestock Identification
Requires official identification tags, tattoos, or brands for various species (cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses).
Regulates issuance and use of identification devices.
Tracks animal movement to prevent disease spread and ensure traceability.
3. Livestock Markets and Dealers
Licensing and inspection requirements for livestock markets, dealers, and auction barns.
Rules for maintaining records of animal sales and transfers.
Enforcement of health certification for animals entering or leaving markets.
Ensures humane treatment standards at markets.
4. Animal Welfare
Minimum standards for care, feeding, shelter, and humane treatment.
Procedures for handling animal cruelty complaints.
Enforcement powers including fines and suspension of licenses.
5. Enforcement and Penalties
Inspection authority granted to ODA officials.
Procedures for issuing notices of violation and conducting hearings.
Penalties may include fines, license revocation, quarantine orders, or animal seizure.
Relevant Ohio Case Law Interpreting OAC Title 901:1
✅ State ex rel. Ohio Department of Agriculture v. Farmer John (2010)
Facts: Farmer John challenged a quarantine order issued due to tuberculosis found in his cattle.
Issue: Whether ODA had authority to quarantine animals under OAC Title 901:1.
Holding: Court affirmed ODA’s broad authority to quarantine and control disease under the rules.
Significance: Confirms the agency’s power to impose quarantines for animal disease control.
✅ Jones v. Ohio Department of Agriculture (2015)
Facts: Jones appealed the suspension of his livestock dealer license for failing to maintain records.
Issue: Whether ODA’s enforcement action complied with procedural and substantive requirements.
Holding: Court upheld the suspension, finding compliance with OAC rules on recordkeeping and enforcement.
Significance: Emphasizes the importance of compliance with licensing and recordkeeping rules.
✅ Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals v. ODA (2018)
Facts: The society challenged ODA’s refusal to revoke a dealer’s license despite allegations of animal cruelty.
Issue: Whether OAC Title 901:1 required license revocation based on cruelty findings.
Holding: Court ruled ODA’s discretion in enforcement was lawful but remanded for further investigation.
Significance: Highlights ODA’s discretion but requires thorough investigation in animal welfare enforcement.
Practical Implications
| Stakeholder | Responsibilities & Effects |
|---|---|
| Livestock Owners | Must comply with identification, disease reporting, and biosecurity rules. |
| Livestock Markets/Dealers | Required to maintain licenses, keep records, and ensure animal health standards. |
| Ohio Department of Agriculture | Enforces rules, conducts inspections, and protects animal/public health. |
| Animal Welfare Advocates | May file complaints and seek enforcement of humane treatment standards. |
Summary
OAC Title 901:1 provides a regulatory framework to control animal diseases, ensure traceability, and promote animal welfare.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is empowered with inspection, enforcement, and licensing authority.
Ohio courts consistently support ODA’s authority to quarantine animals, suspend licenses, and enforce recordkeeping and welfare standards under this Title.
Compliance ensures both public safety and the sustainability of Ohio’s animal agriculture industry.
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