CHAPTER 436
I. "Person," "owner" or "Importer" means any person, corporation, association, partnership, company, firm or other aggregation of individuals.
II. "Domestic animals" means all animals, including poultry, that are kept or harbored as domesticated animals.
III. "Vaccines" means all biological products that contain living organisms.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
There shall be a division of the department of agriculture, markets, and food known as the division of animal industry. Source. 1985, 72:1. 1995, 130:5, eff. July 23, 1995. 1999, 116:1, eff. Aug. 9, 1999.
The commissioner shall keep a record of all permits issued and bovine animals imported, of all animals tested on behalf of the state, or at the request of the owner, with the date and place of the test and the name and residence of the owner; and a complete and accurate record of all work performed under this chapter.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
The commissioner shall, between September 1 and October 31 of each year, make a written report to the governor and council, stating in detail the work done during the preceding year.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
The commissioner may, with such funds as may be available for the purpose, employ such clerical, veterinary and other assistance as he may deem necessary for the proper performance of his duties and the fulfillment of the purpose of this chapter, and may adopt rules under RSA 541-A for the proper execution of its provisions.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
The commissioner is authorized to accept, on behalf of the state, the rules and regulations prepared by the Secretary of Agriculture under and in pursuance of section 3 of an act of Congress approved May 29, 1884, entitled "An act for the establishment of a bureau of animal industry to prevent the exportation of diseased cattle, and to provide means for the suppression and extirpation of pleuro-pneumonia and other contagious diseases among domestic animals," or of any other such act of Congress, and he may cooperate with the authorities of the United States government within this state in the carrying out of such rules and regulations and the enforcement of the provisions of any such act or acts so passed which are not in conflict with the statutes of this state.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
The commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food shall, with the approval of the governor and council, appoint a graduate of a veterinary college of recognized standing, who shall have had at least 5 years' experience in the practice of veterinary medicine, including large animal practice, and who shall be known as the state veterinarian and the director of the division of animal industry.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1995, 130:5, eff. July 23, 1995. 1999, 116:2, eff. Aug. 9, 1999.
The state veterinarian, under the direction of the commissioner, shall have all of the powers of the commissioner and shall have general charge of the enforcement of this chapter, and shall devote his entire time and attention to the duties of his office. The state veterinarian shall have the power to enforce the provisions of and investigate complaints under RSA 644:8, 644:8-a, 644:8-aa and any other law pertaining to the abuse of domestic animals, as defined under RSA 436:1. In the event the commissioner becomes incapacitated or a vacancy occurs in the office, the state veterinarian shall perform all the duties of that office during any such incapacity or until any such vacancy is filled. The commissioner may direct the state veterinarian to act for him in an official capacity whenever he may be absent from his duties.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1987, 116:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988.
He shall receive the annual salary prescribed by RSA 94:1-4, and shall be allowed his expenses when away from the office of the department on official business.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
