Ag Commissioner names Mary Greene as head of Equine Health and Animal Protection

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin announced today that he is combining the administration of the Department of Agriculture’s offices of Equine Health and Animal Protection.  Mary Greene, current head of Animal Protection, will be in charge of both programs.

“These offices have the common goal of protecting the health of animals and preventing the spread of disease.  I felt it best to have one administrator overseeing both programs,” said Commissioner Irvin. 
The Animal Protection Office licenses and inspects kennels, pet dealers, bird dealers, pet breeders and other facilities required to be in compliance with the Animal Protection Act, the Bird Dealers Licensing Act, the Animal Protection Rules and Regulations, and the Bird Dealers Licensing Rules and Regulations. 

The Department’s Equine Health Office is responsible for enforcing the Humane Care for Equines Act, the Equine Act of 1969 and excerpts of the Animal Protection Act. 

Enforcement of these laws is achieved through the inspection of equine sales, stables and events and investigation of abuse complaints.  It also manages the Equine Infectious Anemia Control Program.

“The inspectors and staff of these two programs will not overlap.  They have separate duties and responsibilities,” said Irvin.

# # #