330 C.M.R. 20.03 – Animal Health and Identification

(1) Each Guard Dog shallbe identified as follows: Each animal shall wear a collar, not less than one inch wide, of RED nylon or heavy leather, onwhichthe words "Guard Dog" are permanently imprinted. It shall either be tattooed or shall wear at all times a metal, numbered or lettered tag which shall identify it individually in company or business records. All required license and rabies vaccination tags shall also be affixed to the collar.
(2) The following documents shall be maintained for each dog and shall be kept for a period of one year following its death or release from use:
1. (a) Source of animal, description, identification tag, date of birth if known and full-color photograph, at least three inches by five inches, side view, uncropped of the animal.
2. (b) Copy of rabies vaccination record (vaccination performed by and certificate signed by veterinarian) including date given, length of protection certified, and expiration date of same.
3. (c) Copy of all health records, including illnesses, accidents, injections for protection against disease, required surgery, etc.
4. (d) Record of any license numbers required by state or local law.
5. (e) Final disposition of animal, including date. (Euthanasia, sale, gift, etc.)
6. (f) Complete record of use or work, with or without attendant handler.
7. (g) Record shall include address of work site, hours on duty, name of handler.
8. (h) Record of training received by animal. This shall include length of training period and shall list trainer's name and address.
(3) Proper and sufficient food shallbe supplied to each animal daily. Animals less than six months of age shallbe fed more often than once daily. Clean, fresh water shall be either available at all times, or offered twice daily.
(4) Animal cages and runs shall be cleaned daily, or more often if necessary to prevent accumulation of waste matter. Disinfect cages and runs every two weeks.
(5) The licensee shall establish and maintain programs of disease control and prevention and provide adequate veterinary care under the supervision and assistance of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
(6) Dogs with handler, shallwork no longer than 12 hours per 24 hour period; animals shall be given a 12-hour rest period between shifts. These animals must get a half-hour rest period after every four hours of work.
(7) Any evidence of illness, sickness or injury, affecting the whole animal or any part of it, as determined by visual examination, palpatation by hand, and or other methods as necessary, shall deem an animal unfit for use, training or sale as a guard animal. Such conditions may include:
1. (a) Any signs of infectious disease, such as but not limited to distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, rabies, respiratory disease, or enteric disease (parvovirus)
2. (b) Any signs of severe parasitism such as but not limited to unthriftiness, emaciation, or diarrhea.
3. (c) Any signs of nutritional disease such as but not limited to rickets, emaciation, or poor muscle development.
4. (d) Injury, illness, lameness, sore footedness; or other disease.