WV Farm Bureau Magazine January 2014 | Page 11

the rabies vaccine to inoculate livestock (for example: cattle, sheep, equine, goats). LYME DISEASE & WEST NILE VIRUS Farm Bureau recommends that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia Division of Health, West Virginia Department of Education, West Virginia University Extension Service, and public health agencies provide educational information about prevention and treatment of Lyme disease and West Nile virus as well as provide annual notification by county of outbreaks and detection. USE OF TRAPS We oppose legislation that would restrict the utilization of steel traps and snares in the control of predatory animals, year round, or prohibit the landowner from harvesting fur-bearing animals in season. WEST VIRGINIA DOG LAW Unrestrained dogs are a nuisance and a source of property damage for farmers, and a nuisance to many urban families. Farm Bureau generally supports the present Dog Law, but believes the law needs to be more strictly enforced. We recommend the Dog Law be amended as follows:  County commissions shall pay all claims for livestock and poultry losses that exceed the dog fund. Excess money would be paid from the general revenue fund  A leash law be put into effect for the period of March 1 to May 30 of each year during which time dogs must be tied unless accompanied and controlled by their owners  Agriculture or livestock dogs should be exempt from leash law ordinances provided they are actively herding or guarding livestock or performing other farm-related activities  All animal shelters must scan dogs for microchips prior t