NC H722

Phases out traditional lagoon and sprayfield animal waste management systems serving swine farms by September 1, 2022, requiring closure of all system components in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Establishes minimum humane standards for cows, poultry, and swine prohibiting confinement that prevents animals from lying down, standing up, fully extending limbs, or turning around freely, with exceptions for veterinary care, research, transportation, and fairs.

Requires humane on-farm killing of cows and swine using only methods deemed acceptable by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and prohibits transport or sale of cows or calves too sick or injured to stand and walk.

Directs the Division of Public Health and Department of Agriculture to study antibiotic use in livestock production, including examining supply chains, identifying reporting requirements, surveying high-density livestock counties, and analyzing antibiotic resistance trends with findings due January 1, 2019.

Establishes Class 2 misdemeanor penalties for farm owners or operators who violate the minimum humane standards; humane standards provisions effective January 1, 2018.