PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management is seeking nominations for membership on the newly created R.I. Livestock Welfare and Care Standards Advisory Council.

According to a news release, the council was established this year to serve as an advisory body to the director of DEM and General Assembly in making recommendations related to the overall health and welfare of livestock species.

Chaired by the state veterinarian, the council is made up of representatives from the R.I. Farm Bureau, Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA), a professor from University Rhode Island’s College of Environment and Life Sciences, and three citizen members, including a Rhode Island livestock farmer, a representative from a Rhode Island nonprofit animal-welfare entity and a representative from a national nonprofit animal-welfare entity. Nominations should be forwarded to R.I. State Veterinarian Scott Marshall no later than Nov. 30. •