(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the director of agriculture, without prior hearing, may order the destruction of any domestic or nondomestic animal found to be adulterated with residues, infected with or exposed to a dangerously contagious or infectious disease, infected with or exposed to a disease of concern, or determined to endanger the health or well-being of animal populations or public health in the state. If the director determines that seizure and destruction of a nondomestic animal is necessary, the director shall coordinate the seizure and destruction of that animal with the department of natural resources.

(B)

(1) No person shall fail to comply with the director's order to destroy an animal found to be infected with or exposed to a dangerously contagious or infectious disease or a disease of concern or adulterated with residues.

(2) The offense established under division (B)(1) of this section is a strict liability offense and section 2901.20 of the Revised Code does not apply. The designation of this offense as a strict liability offense shall not be construed to imply that any other offense, for which there is no specified degree of culpability, is not a strict liability offense.

(C) The director, if possible, shall notify any person owning or having custody of an animal ordered destroyed, either in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, prior to destruction. Evidence of the notification of a destruction order shall be proved by an affidavit or by the certified mail return receipt.

(D) A destruction order shall contain all of the following information:

(1) The name and address of the person owning and having custody of the animal, if known;

(2) A description of the animal affected by the order;

(3) The reason for the order;

(4) A reasonable deadline for compliance with the order;

(5) A notice to the effect that any person adversely affected by the destruction order may request a hearing to review the order.

(E) A person adversely affected by an order may request in writing, within thirty days after receiving the order, a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 131, §1, eff. 3/23/2016.

Effective Date: 06-20-1994