Request By:
Hon. Drewie Muncy
Martin County Attorney
Box 411
Inez, Kentucky 41224
Opinion
Opinion By: Robert F. Stephens, Attorney General; By: Pat Douglas Davis, Assistant Attorney General
This is in response to your inquiry regarding the validity of an appointment of a County Veterinarian by the Martin County Fiscal Court.
This question appears to be governed by the provisions of KRS Chapter 257, relating to the appointment of a county livestock inspector.
KRS 257.280 provides for the appointment of a county livestock inspector by the county fiscal court. If Martin County has no licensed veterinarian, the appointee shall be a reputable citizen of the county who is familiar with livestock and their diseases.
As provided in KRS 257.290, the appointee is the local representative of the Board of Agriculture, and shall work in cooperation with the State Veterinarian.
The availability of veterinarian drugs to the appointee appears to be a matter within the discretion of the Board of Agriculture, since the appointee is to "cooperate with the board in controlling and eradicating" diseases. KRS 257.290 .
If our office may be of any further assistance regarding this matter, please let us know.