Section 1590.70  Inspection of Facilities and Equipment

a)         All applicants and falconry permit holders must provide suitable facilities for all raptors in possession.

1)         All applicant facilities must be inspected and certified by a Department representative prior to issuance of a falconry permit. Permittees who move to a new residence within the State of Illinois prior to the permit's expiration must notify the Department in writing within 5 days and request inspection of any new facilities by a representative of the Department.

2)         All falconry permit holders are subject to inspection of raptors, eggs, or parts thereof, facilities and equipment at any reasonable time.

3)         Raptors shall be provided perches of acceptable design and be protected from excessive temperature (heat and cold), wind, rain, or other imclement weather, from predators, and from undue disturbances.

b)         Facilities shall meet the following standards:  

1)         Indoor facilities (mews) shall be large enough to allow easy access for caring for the raptors.  Raptors shall be tethered or separated by partitions and each bird shall be provided enough area to allow it to fully extend its wings.  There shall be adequate perches, a secure door easily closed, and at least one window protected on the inside by vertical bars spaced narrower than the width of the bird's body. The floor shall be well drained and shall permit easy cleaning.  An outdoor weathering area must be provided and may be attached to the indoor mew or separated from the building.  The weathering area shall be fenced and covered with netting or wire or roofed, except for perches more than 6½ feet high.  The enclosed area shall be large enough to insure that birds flying from a perch cannot strike the fence.

2)         An alternative facility must be an outdoor weathering area which meets the standards prescribed in Section 1590.70(b)(1), is big enough to allow easy access for caring for the raptors, and provides adequate perches and protection from excessive sun, wind, and inclement weather for each bird housed in the facility.

3)         Equipment

A)        Jesses – at least one pair of Alymeri jesses or similar type construction of pliable leather or suitable synthetic material for use when any raptor is flown free;

B)        Leashes and swivels – at least one flexible, weather-resistant leash and one strong swivel of acceptable falconry design;

C)        Bath container – a suitable container for each raptor two to six inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor.

D)        Outdoor perches – a weathering area perch of acceptable design for each raptor; and

E)         Weighing device – a reliable scale or balance suitable for weighing the raptors held and graduated to increments of not more than ½ ounce or 15 grams.

4)         All facilities and equipment shall be kept at or above the preceeding standards at all times.

(Source:  Amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 11052, effective June 30, 1992)