1. A. An operator of a livestock market:

   1. (1) Shall provide humane treatment of livestock in its custody;
   2. (2) May not accept downers for sale at its market;

   3. (3) In the case of livestock that become downers after acceptance for sale at the market, shall:

      1. (a) Provide the needed equipment for handling, moving, and, if necessary, euthanizing these animals,
      2. (b) Identify and mark the livestock in a distinctive manner,
      3. (c) Separate and separately pen the livestock from healthy animals, and
      4. (d) Notify the Department that an animal has become a downer; and
   4. (4) Shall properly dispose of all animals that die or are euthanized after acceptance into the market.
2. B. The operator of a livestock market is permitted to offer or sell 3-D livestock only to a slaughtering establishment for immediate slaughter.

3. C. At the close of a livestock sale, if any downers remain unsold, the market operator immediately shall:

   1. (1) Euthanize the livestock as provided under 9 CFR 313; or
   2. (2) Place them in the care of a licensed veterinarian.

Authority: Agriculture Article, §§3-101, 3-307, and 4-122, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: August 15, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1390)