§ 21.31. General requirements.

 (a)  The animal cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting dogs shall be constructed to ensure the health, safety and comfort of the dogs contained therein and shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent the ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the primary conveyance during the transportation.

 (b)  The animal cargo space of a primary conveyance shall be large enough to ensure that each dog contained in the primary enclosure has enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.

 (c)  A dog may not be placed in an animal cargo space that does not have adequate ventilation for each dog contained therein, and the primary enclosures shall be positioned in a manner so each dog has access to sufficient air for normal breathing. Unless the primary enclosure is permanently affixed to the conveyance, there shall be ventilation openings on two opposing walls of the primary enclosure. These openings shall be at least 16% of the surface area of each wall, and the total combined surface area of the ventilation openings shall be at least 14% of the total combined surface area of the walls of the primary enclosure. At least 1/3 of the ventilation area shall be located on the upper half of the primary enclosure.

 (d)  Primary enclosures used to transport dogs shall have a solid bottom to prevent leakage in shipment and shall be cleaned and sanitized in a manner prescribed in §  21.29 (relating to sanitation).

 (e)  Primary enclosures used to transport dogs shall contain clean, absorbent bedding material, which is safe and nontoxic.

 (f)  Puppies—dogs 7 weeks of age or under—shall be separated from adult dogs, other than their dams, when being transported.

 (g)  The number of dogs in a primary enclosure shall be limited to assure each dog sufficient space to turn about freely, to stand erect and to lie down in a natural position.

   The provisions of this §  21.31 amended January 12, 1996, effective April 12, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 161. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (103177).