Nov 22, 2010
Petting zoos popular, subject to regulation

The use of a petting zoo is widely accepted as a great way to bring families to farm markets. Kids and adults alike get to feed and pet a wide array of animals, from goats and rabbits to more exotic game such as camels or kangaroos. Adding a zoo may be a great option for those looking to round up more business, but there are things to consider that can turn this idea into a real beast.

In general, USDA’s Animal Care Program, under authority of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), regulates petting zoos used to attract people to a business. According to USDA, there are different regulations depending on what type of animal is being displayed. Regulated animals, including dangerous animals such as lions and bears as well as exotic, non-native species, have to be kept under stricter guidelines than non-regulated animals, such as common farm animals. Zoos with regulated animals have to pass a yearly inspection, according to USDA.

Peck’s Farm Market in Spring Green, Wis., has been around since the 1960s, and has always had animal attractions available for visitors. Owner Richard Peck said he has a wide variety of animals that include whitetail deer, fallow deer, Sika deer, Rocky Mountain elk, American bison, sheep, goats, emu, ducks, pheasants, peacocks, potbelly pigs, calves, rabbits, prairie dogs and a 7-foot alligator. They also have a trout pond and a goldfish and koi pond.

“We don’t recommend people try to pet the alligator,” Peck said.

Peck sees a real advantage to having the zoo. It is open every day of the year and is free to visit. His farm market is open from April to December. There are quarter machines that dispense food for some of the animals, and Peck allows people to bring things in as well. He guesses he has between 150,000 to 200,000 visitors per year.

“It seems that no matter where you come from, people really seem to enjoy the zoo,” Peck said. “They can come from the city or from the country; it doesn’t matter.”

Under AWA, Peck is inspected every year.

“You never know when they are going to come,” he said. “It is just best to keep things like they should be and stay on your toes.”

Under the USDA inspection and license, Peck also has a veterinarian come twice a year to check on the animals.
There also are inspections and licenses dealing with deer.

Most states have regulations regarding captive deer. The concern is the spread of disease through contact with wild deer. The two major concerns are Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Bovine Tuberculosis (TB). Both CWD and TB are diseases believed to be spread through nose-to-nose contact between captive deer and wild deer populations. This has led to regulations on the fencing surrounding captive deer. Peck has to pay for licensing fees and have his fence inspected. The initial inspection was done by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the state agriculture department handles the annual licensing.

The state of Pennsylvania has regulations, too. Those wishing to run a petting zoo with deer must have a Cervidae Livestock Operator License (CLO). All cervids behind a fence must have a CLO, whether they’re in zoos, farms, hunting preserves or owned as pets. Pennsylvania also requires that any deer moved intrastate must have an identification tag and be certified CWD-free, according to the Pennsylvania Deer Farmer’s Association.

The website www.bornfreeusa.org lists fees and license requirements for all of the United States. According to the site, most states have their own licensing procedure and fee. Some states have a license fee mandated at the city level, as well. Washington is one such state. Vermont is another.

The classification of animals is also a variable, according to the Born Free website. Anyone operating a petting zoo must clarify with his or her local agencies if their animal exhibits classify as livestock, exotic or game species. In many states, this distinction determines what agency regulations must be maintained. For example, the Born Free site states that anyone wishing to export and/or display an elephant in Alaska must obtain a permit from the Department of Fish and Game.

The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) has issued guidelines that help keep animals, and those visiting the animals, healthy. One of the main issues NASPHV focused on was the design and layout of the animal viewing area. The design of facilities and animal pens should minimize the risk associated with animal contact, including limiting direct contact with manure and encouraging hand washing. The design of facilities might include double barriers to prevent contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, except for specified animal interaction areas, according to NASPHV.

NASPHV suggests that visitor traffic be controlled, to allow for a specified entrance and exit to animal attractions. It also recommends that hand-washing stations are available at or near the exit of animal attractions.

By Derrek Sigler, Assistant Editor




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