Committee OKs rules for wrecker services and humane handling in livestock accidents

The House Agriculture Committee approved SB 2134 to require wrecker services to contact emergency management and to direct the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to create policies and procedures for humane handling of livestock involved in accidents.

Representative Worthen said that wrecker services often lack guidance when trailers with livestock are involved and that the bill would set up procedures to minimize additional injury when responders upright trailers or otherwise handle animals after crashes. "So they are to contact emergency management and further, requires in this bill to, Department of Ag to set up policies and procedures, for those... services to handle the livestock," Worthen said.

Members asked about veterinarian involvement and whether local or state emergency management should be notified; Worthen said rulemaking could include veterinarian participation and he would consider clarifying whether the state emergency management agency should be the primary contact to ensure consistent response information across counties.

Outcome: After questions and a brief discussion, the committee recorded a vote of 8 ayes and 0 nays and passed the bill.

Provenance: Committee testimony, Q&A and vote are recorded in the transcript for SB 2134.