USDA Breeder List

[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?

[Nancy1999]

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?

I'm beginning to think the USDA is more concerned with helping the farmer, become a better farmer than being a law enforcement agency, or animal welfare agency. As someone who totally supports the constitution, and the Bill of Rights, I've very uncomfortable with the government having the authority you speak of. As harmful as it is, due process is a wonderful part of our constitution. Perhaps, requiring USDA officials to report abuses, to local officials might help, but I have a feeling only the most extreme abuses would be reported.

Does anyone know if a breeder has to be registered with the USDA? I'm wondering if many would just choose not to register, if they thought the USDA had any real power. Here in AZ, there is just a $25.00 fine if you are required to register as a kennel and don't. That isn't enough incentive to get someone to register, closing down a kennel seems to be a viable option, but often they just pop up under a new name.

[Woogie Man]

I only tossed the ball into the air to get some responses and see what people thought. You make some good points and I'm no fan of giving a Fed. agency too much authority, either. It does seem like that, with so many similar bills in so many states, that we're moving toward a national law in a piecemeal fashion. With puppy mills often involving interstate commerce, it seems like maybe something does need to be done on a national scale. I'm more a fan of personal ethics and responsibility than new laws, but we have to find a focused solution that works and doesn't just make us feel good by enacting laws all over the place that will do little to address the real problem.

[Wylie's Mom]

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.

[BamaFan121s]

The link to the USDA list should be made into a sticky. (just a thought)

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

It does seem like that, with so many similar bills in so many states, that we're moving toward a national law in a piecemeal fashion. With puppy mills often involving interstate commerce, it seems like maybe something does need to be done on a national scale.

I think and I could be wrong (just can't remember right now) but they tried doing a national law with the PAWS legislation in 2005/2006 but it did not pass because it was thrown together with lots of problems.

[Wylie's Mom]

Just fyi, the USDA Breeders List - which inspired much of this interesting exchange - is now stickified in the Breeder Review Forum.