[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Exactly. If people or the law (other than the USDA) don't have access to witness the cruelty, then how on earth can they ever be charged with it? In my opinion, the USDA should have to disclose Mills to their local Humane Ass'ns (no, this is not the HSUS) and let them decide if they're operating cruelty-free or not. The USDA isn't reporting cruelty, just handing out citations....for years on end.

I think it's pretty well agreed that the USDA inspectors are the people 'on the scene'. And it's also agreed that they can do little except write citations. Are they prevented from reporting what they see to other agencies that could do something? Whether any of us agree on any bills that are being written in states, it does seem like enforcement is the problem with the laws already on the books and would likely be with any new laws. It seems like maybe it should be 'lobbied' (probably a bad term) for the USDA to have the authority to shut down immediately any operation and call in local authorities in the case of gross violations. We're all concerned about shutting down puppy mills and it just seems to use the USDA as the spearpoint would be the easiest, most practical way to do it. It's just a thought...any opinions?