The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Adequate hand-cleansing facility." A facility which has:

(1) running water and soap or other hand-cleansing methods approved by the department; and

(2) hand-drying equipment or disposable towels.

The term does not include a communal basin.

"Advertise." To notify the public of an event by:

(1) publication in a newspaper, magazine or other publication of general circulation;

(2) announcement on television or radio;

(3) public mailing or distribution of written material; or

(4) posting of written material at a location other than the animal exhibition grounds.

"Agricultural fair." An agricultural exhibition which is conducted in a manner to make it eligible for a grant under the act of July 8, 1986 (P.L.437, No.92), known as the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act.

"Animal." A living nonhuman organism having sensation and the power of voluntary movement and requiring for its existence oxygen and organic food. The term does not include a fish or an aquatic animal.

"Animal exhibition." As follows:

(1) The term shall include:

(i) an agricultural fair;

(ii) a petting zoo;

(iii) an event where animals are displayed on animal exhibition grounds for view and physical contact with humans, if the operator advertises the event;

(iv) an event where animals are displayed on animal exhibition grounds for view and physical contact with humans, if the operator charges an admission fee for access to the animals; or

(v) an event where animals are displayed on animal exhibition grounds for view and physical contact with humans, if there is a retail food establishment on the grounds.

(2) The term shall not include:

(i) an event, other than an agricultural fair, sponsored by an agricultural organization and held for not more than two days per year;

(ii) an event authorized by a farmer to permit individuals to view or have contact with animals the farmer is raising or keeping in the course of "normal agricultural operation" as defined in the act of June 10, 1982 (P.L.454, No.133), entitled "An act protecting agricultural operations from nuisance suits and ordinances under certain circumstances," which is not held on animal exhibition grounds where there is a retail food establishment;

(iii) an event performed or authorized in the normal course of operation of an equine boarding, riding or training enterprise by the person that operates the enterprise;

(iv) an event performed or authorized on the premises of a pet store by the person that operates the store;

(v) an event sponsored by or authorized by a recognized dog or cat breed association, dog or cat club or recognized kennel association;

(vi) an event performed or authorized by an animal rescue organization, a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals; or

(vii) an event excluded by regulation of the department.

"Animal exhibition grounds." The premises on which an animal exhibition is conducted.

"Interstate certificate of veterinary inspection." A legible official document that is:

(1) made on a form issued by the chief livestock health official of the state of origin or the United States Department of Agriculture;

(2) prepared by an accredited veterinarian of the state of origin certifying the health of the animal described in the certificate; and

(3) validated by the chief livestock health official of the state of origin.

"Operator." A person that conducts an animal exhibition. The term includes a person that contracts with another to conduct an animal exhibition.

"Pennsylvania health certificate." A legible official document that is:

(1) made on a form (AAI-13) provided by the department; and

(2) prepared by an accredited Pennsylvania veterinarian or a representative of the department certifying the health of animals described in the certificate according to the health requirements established under Chapter 23 (relating to domestic animals) and regulations promulgated under Chapter 23.

"Veterinarian consultation relationship." A relationship in which the owner or caretaker of the animal has assumed responsibility to consult a veterinarian and has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian in relation to zoonotic diseases and implementing best management practices intended to reduce and prevent diseases.

"Zoonotic disease." A disease which is transmissible from an animal to a human being.

(June 27, 2013, P.L.172, No.31, eff. imd.)

2013 Amendment. Act 31 amended the def. of "veterinarian-client-patient relationship" and added the defs. of "interstate certificate of veterinary inspection" and "Pennsylvania health certificate."