Ohio Department of Agriculture (Previously published in Ohio Farmer; 11-20-2017)
Although the latest changes in Ohio’s Livestock Care Standards may not directly effect sheep producers in the state of Ohio, these regulatory changes can serve as a reminder for sheep producers to look into these Standards to ensure that your operation is adhering to the appropriate guidelines.
By following this link, you will be provided with a quick Fact Sheet that outlines Small ruminant care, handling, transportation, management, housing, and euthanasia.
Also, you can find the full Guide regarding the care of sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas by following this additional link.
Ohio’s livestock care standards were implemented after Ohioans passed State Issue 2 in 2009.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) says producers and livestock owners should take note about the upcoming changes to Ohio’s livestock care standards.
Effective Jan. 1, veal calves must be housed in group pens by 10 weeks of age. Additionally, whether housed in individual stalls or group pens the calves must be allowed to turn around and cannot be tethered. Also effective Jan. 1, tail docking on dairy cattle can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian and only if medically necessary.
Ohio’s livestock care standards were implemented after Ohioans overwhelmingly passed State Issue 2 in November 2009. The constitutional amendment required the state to establish comprehensive livestock care standards, established in rules by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.