Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit

PURPOSE: This rule is being established to provide specific authority for qualified individuals or entities to hold wildlife for rehabilitation. (1) A permit to take, possess, transport and hold in captivity for rehabilitation, sick or injured wildlife of Missouri origin. Wildlife may not be propagated, sold, exhibited, given away, held more than one hundred twenty (120) days, released or otherwise disposed of except as authorized by an agent of the department. This permit may be issued only to individuals or organizations qualified to rehabilitate wildlife through graduation from a school of veterinary medicine or other substantive training and experience in wildlife rehabilitation. (2) Species authorized to be held are limited to those specified on the permit. Any traps, nets or other devices used to take sick or injured wildlife under this permit shall be attended daily, or be constantly attended if so stated on the permit, and labeled with the permit holder’s full name and address. The names and addresses of persons assisting under the direct supervision of the holder of the permit shall be submitted to the local conservation agent in writing before assistance can be rendered. This permit does not relieve the holder of full compliance with other provisions of the Code or other state and federal requirements. The wildlife rehabilitation permit is not valid until signed. (3) Animals held for rehabilitation must remain at the location specified on the permit or a veterinarian’s premises except as otherwise authorized in writing by the director. The permit holder will confine the wildlife for public safety in a humane and sanitary condition acceptable to the Department of Conservation. (4) Each permit holder shall maintain a current record, on forms furnished by the department, of each animal received, rehabilitated, destroyed, or released. Printed copies of these forms can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 and online at www.missouriconservation.org. These records shall be available for inspection by an authorized agent of the department at any reasonable time. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. This rule previously filed as 3 CSR 10-9.615. Original rule filed Aug. 1, 1980, effective Jan. 1, 1981. Amended: Filed July 31, 1981, effective Jan. 1, 1982. Amended: Filed Aug. 29, 1983, effective Jan. 1, 1984. Amended: Filed Dec. 4, 1984, effective March 11, 1985. Amended: Filed May 10, 1990, effective Jan. 1, 1991. Amended: Filed Sept. 10, 1991, effective Feb. 6, 1992. Changed to 3 CSR 10-9.415, effective Jan. 1, 1994. Amended: Filed Oct. 10, 2008, effective April 30, 2009.