§19-1C-3. Livestock Care Standards Board.

(a) On July 1, 2010, there is hereby created the Livestock Care Standards Board.

(b) Commencing July 1, 2021, the board consists of the following 13 members, to be appointed by the Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate:

(1) The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture or his or her designee, ex officio non-voting, who is the chairperson of the board;

(2) The State Veterinarian, ex officio non-voting;

(3) One member who is a veterinarian licensed in this state engaging in large animal practice;

(4) The dean of the agriculture department of a college or university located in this state;

(5) One member representing a county humane society that is organized under state law;

(6) One member who is knowledgeable about food safety in this state;

(7) Two members who are law-enforcement officers: Provided, That one member shall be appointed for an initial term of two years, and the other shall be appointed for an initial term of five years;

(8) One member selected from a list of three individuals submitted from the largest statewide poultry organization;

(9) One member selected from a list of three individuals submitted by the largest statewide livestock organization; and

(10) Three members, at least two of whom are family farmers, selected from a list of 10 individuals submitted by the largest organization in the state representing farmers.

(c) After the initial appointment terms, the appointment term is five years. Appointed members may be reappointed for additional terms.

(d) All members must be residents of this state during their terms.

(e) All appointed members serve until their successor has been appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.