NC H610

Phases out traditional animal waste management systems (lagoon and sprayfield) for swine farms by requiring closure by September 1, 2016, or 12 years from initial permitting, whichever is later.

Requires the Board of Agriculture to establish minimum humane standards for cows, poultry, and swine that prohibit confining animals in ways that prevent lying down, standing up, extending limbs, or turning around freely, with exceptions for veterinary care, transportation, and fair exhibitions.

Prohibits tethering or confining pregnant swine in restrictive enclosures except during the seven-day period before expected birth, veal calves, and egg-laying hens under the new humane standards.

Requires all on-farm killing of cows and swine to use methods deemed "acceptable" by the American Veterinary Medical Association and prohibits strangulation as a form of euthanasia.

Prohibits transport, sale, or receipt of cows or calves too sick or injured to stand and walk for use in the human food supply; violations are Class 2 misdemeanors.