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information provided and discussions with the applicant, staff believes that the applicant adheres to the PMC requirements for animal use permits. The applicant is also required, and has received, the appropriate permits from the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as shown in Exhibit D. Equipment In order for proper training, and to ensure the safety of the hawk, the applicant is required to have/use specific items. Those items include bells, identification band, jess, scale, gauntlets or gloves, a creance, perch, mew, and, in some instances, a transmitter. Staff notes that transmitters are more of a preference by the falconer so that the hawk may be recovered if lost during free flight and is not a requirement for equipment. None of the equipment used is harmful to the bird during training or hunting. During training and/or hunting, the hawk wears a bell, or bells, on its leg that is attached by leather strips called bewits. The hawk also wears an identification band on one of its legs and jesses, long leather strips, on both its legs. Staff notes that for the hawks safety, the jess straps are removable should the hawk get caught in something when released. The creance, a long line, is tied to the jesses when training the hawk to fly between the perch and the falconer's arm. This is used in order to prevent the hawk from free flight during training. When the bird is not allowed to fly free, the hawk is typically tethered to its perch. Gauntlets or gloves are used to protect the falconer's arm from the hawk's talons and provides a suitable perching place for the hawk. It is important for a falconer to have a scale so that the bird's weight and amount of food can be daily monitored. It is important that the bird maintain an adequate diet and appropriate weight because it can affect the bird's health, welfare, and responsiveness to the falconer. These records are submitted to the agencies that continuously monitor the health and welfare of the bird. Hawk Mew Mews have to be inspected for compliance with federal and state laws. These laws ensure that the mew meets what is required to safely and to humanely house a bird of prey. Mews are typically enclosed stand alone structures that have small windows for ventilation. The design of the mew should protect the hawk from rain, wind, and temperature extremes. There should be at least one perch arranged so that the hawk can perch comfortably, spread its wings, and provide a natural way for the hawk to sleep. As shown in the photo above, the constructed mew has ample room for the hawk to move around and exercise its wings. Staff notes that although the mew has windows for ventilation, the hawks prefer darkness to maintain a sense of protection from domestic predators, such as cats and dogs. PA UP-4, Jennifer Hosterman /Hawk Planning Commission Page 6 of 15