SB370.html

To amend Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the "Dead Animal Disposal Act," so as to change the definition of dead animals that are subject to such chapter; to prohibit certain conduct; to change the provisions relating to the disposal of dead animals and the requirement related thereto; to regulate the hauling or transportation of dead animals; to provide for permits; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the "Dead Animal Disposal Act," is amended by striking Code Section 4-5-2, relating to the definition of the term "dead animals," and inserting in its place the following:
"4-5-2.
As used in this chapter, the term 'dead animals' means the carcasses, parts of carcasses, fetuses, embryos, effluent, or blood of livestock, including, without limitation, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, ratites, equine, and alternative livestock; pet animals associated with pet dealers, kennels, animal shelters, or bird dealers licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture; animals processed by commercial facilities which process animals for human consumption; and animals associated with wildlife exhibitions."

Said chapter is further amended by striking Code Section 4-5-3, relating to abandonment of dead animals and requirements for disposal, and inserting in its place the following:
"4-5-3.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or is caring for an animal which has died or has been killed to abandon the dead animal. Such person shall dispose of the dead animal as provided for in this chapter or in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. Dead animals shall not be abandoned in wells, open pits, or surface waters of any kind on private or public land.
(b) No person shall dispose of a dead animal on the land of another without the permission of the owner of the land.
(c) Arrangements must be made with a city or county official in order to dispose of a dead animal in a city or county landfill."

Said chapter is further amended by striking Code Section 4-5-5, relating to methods of disposal of dead animals, and inserting in its place the following:
"4-5-5.
Methods which can be used for disposal of dead animals are burning, incineration, burial, rendering, or any method using appropriate disposal technology which has been approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Disposal of dead animals by any of the approved methods must be completed within 24 hours after death or discovery. Dead animals that are buried must be buried at least three feet below the ground level, have not less than three feet of earth over the carcass, and must not contaminate ground water or surface water."

Said chapter is further amended by striking Code Section 4-5-7, relating to disposal of carcasses and waste material by livestock sales markets and livestock slaughter establishments, and inserting in its place the following:
"4-5-7.
(a) Public livestock sales markets, livestock slaughter establishments, poultry dealers, poultry sales establishments, pet dealers, kennels, bird dealers, animal shelters, and stables licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture shall have a written, approved method and place for the disposal of all dead animals and all accessory waste material involved in the handling of dead animals which die on or within the premises of such establishments.
(b) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall approve the methods and places for disposal of such dead animals and may establish procedures, methods, and permits for disposal of dead animals."

Said chapter is further amended by striking Code Section 4-5-9, relating to the prohibition of transportation of dead animals, effluent, or parts thereof, and inserting in its place the following:
"4-5-9.
The Commissioner of Agriculture may prohibit or restrict, at his or her discretion, and issue permits for the hauling or transportation of dead animals or types of dead animals and order the destruction thereof in accordance with this chapter."

Said chapter is further amended by striking Code Section 4-5-10, relating to promulgation of rules and regulations, and inserting in its place the following:
"4-5-10.
The Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and accomplish the purposes of this chapter."