12.6.1533    MINIMUM FENCE STANDARDS FOR APPLICATIONS FILED BETWEEN MAY 15, 1992, AND JANUARY 15, 1999, FOR FACILITIES HOLDING CLOVEN-HOOFED UNGULATES

(1) The following requirements for fence height, posts and gates shall apply to applications filed between May 15, 1992, and January 15, 1999, for game farms holding cloven-hoofed ungulates. If the facilities are not in compliance with this rule or are not otherwise game proof, they will be subject to the requirements in ARM 12.6.1531. Reconstruction of such facilities must satisfy the minimum standards in ARM 12.6.1531, any additional requirements in the license and any further requirements to ensure that the fences are game proof.

(2) Conventional perimeter fences must be, at a minimum, eight feet above ground level for their entire length. The bottom six feet must be mesh of sufficient size to prevent wild animals from entering and game farm animals from escaping. Supplemental wire required to attain a height of eight feet may be smooth, barbed, or woven wire (at least 122 gauge) with strands spaced not more than six inches apart.

(3) Perimeter fences constructed of high tensile wire must be supported by a post or a stay at minimum intervals of eight feet.

(4) Conventional perimeter fences must be at least 122 gauge woven wire, 142 gauge high-tensile woven wire, chain link, nonclimbable woven fence, or other fence approved by the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

(a) If the wire used is not a full eight feet in height, it must be overlapped one row and securely fastened at every other vertical row or woven together with cable.

(5) Electric fencing materials may be used on perimeter fences only as a supplement to conventional fencing materials.

(6) All gates in the perimeter fence must be self-closing, equipped with two locking devices and installed in locations that have been approved by the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Double gates may be required at points in the perimeter fence subject to frequent vehicle traffic that is not related to operation of the game farm.

(7) Posts used in the perimeter fence must be:

(a) constructed of material of sufficient strength to keep game farm animals securely contained and wild animals from entering;

(b) extended at least eight feet above ground level;

(c) spaced no more than 24 feet apart with stays or supports at eight foot intervals between the posts; and

(d) braced with wood or with suitable metal material properly set in concrete, at all corners.

History: 87-4-422, MCA; IMP, 87-4-426, MCA; NEW, 1999 MAR p. 79, Eff. 1/15/99.