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Originally Posted by Woogie Man  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? |
Not sure on your question, Jim...though it appears they don't really report the mills - just hand out citations, sometimes for years to the same mills. I agree enforcement is a huge problem. I'm just not sure, given their overall "mission" or whatever you call it, if animal cruelty is best suited for their jurisdiction. I don't know what the answer is...I wish they were required to immediately report certain violations to the authorities (at the very least), like you said. What they're doing now is definitely not the right course to prevent or stop cruelty.