Agency Contact Person: Scott Loomans, 101 South Webster St., PO BOX 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. (608) 267-2452, scott.loomans@wisconsin.gov Section 1. NR 16.45 (2) (Intro.) and (a) are amended to read:
NR 16.45 (2) Special fencing Fence requirements; double fences.
NR 16.45(2)(a)(a) Deer farms with perimeter fences less than 80 acres in size. No person may maintain a perimeter fence that encloses less than 80 acres that contains farm-raised white-tailed deer unless one of the following applies: Section 2. NR 16.45 (2) (a) 1. is repealed and recreated to read:
NR 16.45 (2) (a) 1. The farm-raised white-tailed deer are enclosed by a perimeter fence that meets the requirements established in sub. (1) (a) to (i);
Section 3. NR 16.45 (2) (b) and (c) are repealed.
Section 4. NR 16.45 (5) is repealed.
Section 5. NR 16.45 (6) (h) is repealed.
Section 6. Finding of emergency. The emergency rule procedure, pursuant to s. 227.24, Stats., is necessary and justified in establishing rules to protect the public welfare. These rules will establish a way for certain current deer farmers to legally and safely maintain ownership of their animals without meeting new federal and state herd health requirements which are effective beginning on December 10, 2015. This will eliminate what some people are concerned will be an incentive to release captive deer to the wild as an inexpensive way to dispose of them. Preventing the illegal release or co-mingling of wild and captive deer will reduce the risk of transmitting diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and are necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety or welfare. Section 7. Effective Date. This rule shall take effect upon publication in the Wisconsin state paper pursuant to s. 227.24 (1) (c). Section 8. Board adoption. This rule was approved and adopted by the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on December 8, 2015.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin January 8, 2016.
