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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL)

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Statement: Board of Animal Health requires structural change in wake of deer and elk audit

Friday, April 20, 2018

Saint Paul, Minn. – Today, the Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report on the Board of Animal Health’s Oversight of Deer and Elk Farms.

Rep. Hansen, the DFL Lead on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement:

“This morning I participated in the Legislative Audit Commission's meeting receiving the program evaluation on the Board of Animal Health's Oversight of Deer and Elk Farms. This limited review showed significant problems with the Board's failure to enforce laws relating to deer farms. Through bipartisan questioning during the meetings, legislators suggested changes to the makeup of the Board of Animal Health to meet the needs of Minnesotans today and into the future instead of continuing to cling to past practices and structure in responding to animal health. The Board should serve Minnesotans, not just the regulated industry. Significant change is needed in the structure, governance and authority of the Board of Animal Health now to address not only Chronic Wasting Disease, but also other animal diseases which could affect Minnesota.”

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