§ 399-ff. Petting zoos. 1. For purposes of this section the terms:

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(a) "petting zoo" shall mean a place where a collection of animals are kept for the express purpose of viewing, touching, holding and petting by patrons and visitors to the establishment; and

(b) "hand washing or hand cleansing facility" shall mean any method of cleansing the hands that kills germs and bacteria including, but not limited to, soap and running water, anti-bacterial fluids, foams or gels, and anti-bacterial or antiseptic wipes or towels.

2. All petting zoo operators shall provide and maintain at least one clearly designated hand washing facility for patrons and visitors to the establishment to wash or cleanse their hands upon exiting such petting zoo area. Such hand washing or hand cleansing facility shall be maintained at or within no more than fifty feet of the exit from such petting zoo area.

3. Every exit from a petting zoo area shall have a sign conspicuously posted that shall state, in a clear and legible typeface, the following: "Animals at petting zoos may carry germs and bacteria that cause disease. It is strongly recommended that persons wash their hands upon exiting the petting zoo area". Such sign shall also indicate the direction in which such hand washing or hand cleansing facility is located.

4. Any operator of a petting zoo who fails to maintain a hand washing or hand cleansing facility and proper signage in violation of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of up to five hundred dollars.