32.3.224A    UNLAWFULLY ESTRAYED AND PUBLIC OWNED MIGRATORY WILD BISON FROM HERDS AFFECTED WITH A DANGEROUS DISEASE

(1) When estrayed or migratory wild bison exposed to or affected with Brucellosis, a dangerous, contagious, zoonotic disease of man and animals, enter into or are otherwise present within the state of Montana one of the following actions may be taken:

(a) The live wild bison may be physically removed by the safest and most expeditious means from within the state boundaries. This means may include but not be limited to capture, trucking, hazing/aversion, or delivery to a departmentally approved slaughterhouse.

(b) If live wild bison cannot safely by reasonable and permanent means be removed from the state they shall be summarily destroyed where they stand by the use of firearms. If firearms cannot be used with due regard to human safety and public property wild bison may be relocated to such a danger free area and destroyed by firearms or by any other practicable means of euthanasia.

(c) When wild bison of necessity or unintentionally are killed through actions of the department, the carcass remains will be disposed of by the most economical means possible. This may include but not be limited to burying, incineration, rendering, or field dressing for delivery to a departmentally approved slaughterhouse or slaughter destination.

History: 81-2-102, 81-2-103, MCA; IMP, 81-2-102, 81-2-103, MCA; NEW, 1991 MAR p. 2494, Eff. 12/13/91; AMD, 2011 MAR p. 2541, Eff. 11/26/11.