§ 106-402.1.  Movement of animals prohibited; destruction of animals to control animal disease authorized.

(a) When determined by the State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat within the State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for very serious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public health consequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products or that it is necessary to control a contagious animal disease, the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative may prohibit the movement of any animal to or from any premises used for shows, sales, markets, fairs, exhibitions, processing or rendering facilities, or other public or private assembly or may prohibit commingling of animals. Written notice of the prohibition under this subsection shall be mailed, delivered, or otherwise provided to the owner or operator of the premises by any means reasonably calculated to give notice. The owner or operator of the premises shall not permit any animal to enter or remain on the premises in violation of this section.

(b) When determined by the State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat within the State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for very serious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public health consequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products or that it is necessary to control a contagious animal disease, the State Veterinarian may order the destruction of any animal and, after consulting with the State Health Director, the proper disposal of the animal. G.S. 106-403 does not apply to the disposal of animals under this subsection. The order shall be in writing and shall include the manner in which the destruction of the animal will be carried out. The order shall be delivered to the owner of the animal and the owner or operator of the premises on which the animal is located by certified mail or any other means reasonably calculated to give the owner of the animal and the owner or operator of the premises notice. In the event the owner of the animal and the owner or operator of the premises cannot be notified, the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative may seize and destroy the animal. The owner or operator of the premises on which the animal is located shall permit entry on the premises by the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative and shall cooperate with the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative. The provisions of G.S. 106-401(a) with respect to obtaining an emergency order do not apply to this subsection.

(c) When determined by the State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat within the State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for very serious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public health consequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products or that it is necessary to control a contagious animal disease, the State Veterinarian may require the Executive Director of the Wildlife Resources Commission to develop a plan to address the movement of wildlife and the destruction of wildlife. (2001-12, s. 3; 2003-6, s. 1; 2005-21, s. 1; 2009-103, s. 1.)