WELFARE - Wave of Opposition to USDA Removal of Animal Welfare Records from Website

(Meredith Lee, HSUS)

The abrupt abolishment of public records from a federal database puts animals in peril and allows would-be abusers to hide their heinous actions, advocates warn.

The move by the US. Department of Agriculture (USDA,) sees inspection reports purged from its online database – meaning information on the treatment of everything from animals in research labs to circuses, dog breeding operations and zoos is no longer readily available to the public.

The sudden and jarring news is “a shameful attempt to keep the public from knowing when and which laws and regulations have been violated,” Kathy Guillermo, senior vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is quoted as saying in the Washington Post.

“Many federally registered and licenced facilities have long histories of violations that have caused terrible suffering.”

Guillermo also pointed out the database is funded by public tax dollars “and the public should not be kept in the dark because the feds would rather shield abusers than hold them accountable.”

She isn’t alone - numerous outspoken animal-welfare advocates fear removing crucial information such as records of enforcement actions against violators of the Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act, will leave animals unprotected in future.

In the past, the information has been used by everyone from journalists to animal advocates to expose animal abuse and be a watchdog for adherence to government regulations regarding everything from treatment of animals at circuses and in laboratories.

Relying on it has exposed everything from abuse of elephants to dehydration deaths of lab monkeys and horrendous experiments on helpless animals.

Seven states mandate pet stores have a clear USDA record from dog breeders to ensure they are coming from reputable operations.

USDA officials claim the decision was prompted by court rulings and privacy laws and on the heels of “a comprehensive review” over the last year.

Individuals can access information via the Freedom of Information Act Request – a bureaucratic process which can take months or even years for approval.

On the flip side, however, the move is being applauded by some who accused government of being “overly aggressive and influenced by animal protection groups,” the Washington Post reports.

Those supportive of the USDA decision to ditch the public records include businesses like exotic pet breeders who saw the easy access to information and repressive “government oversight” of their operations as unacceptable.

Recently, Mindy Patterson, president of the Cavalry Group penned a scathing column claiming the USDA had “succumbed to the pressure of animal rights extremists” and that public records were relied on by groups like PETA and the Humane Society to malign businesses, at times even sharing information such as addresses and photographs.

While USDA officials defend their position by citing the need to protect privacy concerns – many critics point out information previously online often had identifying information such as names and addresses redacted.

Records made available for decades are now no longer accessible which has opponents saying the move pitches animal abuse into the dark – protecting those who would do harm while essentially leaving animals easy prey.

The documents previously available shed light on cruelty in “substandard roadside zoos, shameful animal circuses, puppy breeding factories and more,” Born Free USA’s Adam Roberts states in National Geographic.

“Often, the animals in these facilities may have visible wounds or cramped conditions or no access to water ... the government’s decision to make it harder to access this information further protects animal exploiters in the shroud of secrecy on which their nefarious activities thrive.”

The Humane Society of the United States has launched legal action against the USDA maintaining the position that the removal of the records violates a 2009 settlement between the two parties.

Other animal rights groups have also filed a joint lawsuit saying the purging of the records impedes their ability to identify violations under the Animal Welfare Act.

These are allegations at this point with the USDA yet to respond to any legal actions taken.

In 2005, the Humane Society successfully sued the USDA over public access to reports of animal use in university and other labs – a case settled years later in exchange for the USDA’s agreement to post certain information online regarding animal research.

The removal of information from the website is a clear violation of the terms of that settlement, the Humane Society says.

About Nadia Moharib

Nadia is an animal lover who has adopted everything from birds to hamsters, salamanders, rabbits, fish and felines. She has written about all-things-pets for years and was a long-time editor of a pet magazine in a daily newspaper which featured a Q & A column, Ask Whit, penned by her pooch (ghost written, of course.) The serial dog owner lives in Calgary, Alberta and most days can be found at a dog park picking up after her rescue pooch, Scoots.

WELFARE - New Regulation Aims to End Horse Soring

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the final version of a rule that will help protect horses from the practice of soring.

(Soring image and x-ray, USDA)

Soring has been viewed as a controversial practice by people within and outside of the horse world.

The Humane Society of the United States says, “Soring involves the intentional infliction of pain to a horse's legs or hooves in order to force the horse to perform an artificial, exaggerated gait. Caustic chemicals—blistering agents like mustard oil, diesel fuel and kerosene—are applied to the horse's limbs, causing extreme pain and suffering.”

They go on to describe a particularly egregious form of soring, known as pressure shoeing, that involves cutting a horse's hoof almost to the quick and tightly nailing on a shoe, or standing a horse for hours with the sensitive part of his soles on a block or other raised object. This causes pressure and pain whenever the horse puts weight on the hoof.

The final rule, which is part of the Horse Protection Act, will be published soon in the Federal Register and become effective by next January.

It will ban many of the devices used for soring, such as stacked shoes, ankle chains, foreign substances and other “action devices,” and force horse industry inspectors to become trained and licensed through the USDA.

The horse industry is currently responsible for training its own inspectors.

Under the final regulation:

• APHIS will license, train, and oversee independent, third party inspectors, known as Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs), and establish the licensing eligibility requirements to reduce conflicts of interest.
• To allow sufficient time to train and license HPIs and ensure an adequate number before the start of the 2018 show season, current Designated Qualified Person (DQP) licenses will remain valid until January 1, 2018.  Beginning January 1, 2018, management of horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions that elect to use inspection services, must appoint and retain a HPI to inspect horses.
• Beginning January 1, 2018, the regulatory provisions applicable to Horse Industry Organization and Associations are removed and are no longer effective.
• Beginning 30 days after the publication of the final rule, all action devices, except for certain boots, are prohibited on any Tennessee Walking Horse or racking horse at any horse show, exhibition, sale, or auction.  All pads and wedges are prohibited on any Tennessee Walking Horse or racking horse at any horse show, exhibition, sale, or auction on or after January 1, 2018, unless such horse has been prescribed and is receiving therapeutic, veterinary treatment using pads or wedges.  This delayed implementation allows ample time to both gradually reduce the size of pads to minimize any potential physiological stress to the horses and prepare horses to compete in other classes.
• Beginning January 1, 2018, management of HPA-covered events must, among other things, submit certain information records to APHIS, provide HPIs with access, space, and facilities to conduct inspections, and have a farrier physically present to assist HPIs at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions that allow Tennessee Walking Horses or racking horses to participate in therapeutic pads and wedges if more than 150 horses are entered, and have a farrier on call if 150 or fewer horses are entered.

“Horse soring is a stain on Tennessee’s reputation, and (Friday’s) move by the USDA begins to wipe that stain away,” Humane Society president and CEO Wayne Pacelle said in a statement.

“Hurting horses so severely for mere entertainment is disgraceful, and I put this abuse in the same category as dogfighting or cockfighting - practices that betray our humanity and that cannot stand the light of day.”

Not everyone is on board with the new legislation, however.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) believes the new rules are overreaching, stating in a release, “I am in favor of wiping out the contemptible and illegal practice of horse soring, not wiping out the century old tradition of showing Tennessee Walking Horses as this rule could do.”

“I would hope the new Secretary of Agriculture will not concur with this overreaching rule announced during the last few days of the Obama administration and instead will work with Congress to enact legislation that punishes trainers, owners and riders who abuse horses while preserving the opportunity for law abiding horse enthusiasts to participate in competitions that are the basis of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.”

Mike Inman, president of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, said he plans to challenge the regulatory action. The Celebration is the largest Tennessee walking horse show in the nation.

WELFARE - Industry Changes Will Help 60 Million Chickens Per Year

Global Alliance Partnerships (GAP) announced their first-ever partnership with a major food service company that will result in improving the lives of approximately 60 million broiler chickens per year.

Compass Group USA has committed to healthier, slower growing strains of chickens, improved living conditions and more humane slaughter, by pledging to ensure certification under GAP’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program for all broiler chickens as a buying requirement across 100 percent of their business by 2024.

Compass has also agreed that, by 2024, all broilers in its supply chain be rendered unconscious prior to shackling using a method of Controlled Atmosphere Killing.

Rick Post, COO Compass Group USA, said, “This partnership underscores our Envision 2020 principles and creates positive impact for people, animals and the planet while balancing social, environmental and ethical responsibility with commercial success. Very simply, it’s just the right thing to do.”

Another major food supply company took steps towards more humane conditions for broiler chickens with Aramark asking its suppliers to take the following actions by 2024, or sooner if possible:

• Transitioning to strains of birds that measurably improve welfare issues associated with fast growth rates per Global Animal Partnership’s (GAP) standards.
• Reducing maximum stocking density to equal to/less than 6 lbs./sq. ft. per GAP standards.
• Providing chickens with enriched environments including natural light, hay bales and perches that meet GAP standards.
• Evaluating with animal welfare organizations over the next year issues related to litter quality, lighting, air quality, and other environmental conditions.
• Rendering chickens unconscious prior to shackling using Controlled or Low Atmosphere Stunning.

"Aramark’s announcement is a transformational shift for the treatment of chickens in its supply chain. We’re very pleased to work with Aramark to help create this important commitment, which demonstrates yet again how seriously the company takes animal welfare,” said Josh Balk, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

These changes in the food supply industry are in response to consumers’ increased awareness of where their food comes from and how it’s raised.

There has been more public pressure for cage-free or free run eggs and many animal organizations have voiced concerns about the welfare of chickens, not only living in less than ideal environments, but the general health of the fast-growing birds.

The improvements made by Aramark and Compass Group USA also reflect the move towards what is perceived as healthier meat, as many consumers look for and restaurants source meat that is antibiotic and hormone free.

Leah Garces, US Executive Director of Compassion in World Farming and GAP Board member said, “When Compass, the largest food service company in the world, says enough is enough, chickens need a better life, we know we are at a tipping point. An avalanche is coming towards the chicken industry which they cannot afford to ignore.”

WELFARE - PetSmart Charities Assisting Animals After Hurricane Matthew

More than $100,000 in in-kind supplies and emergency relief funds has been donated by PetSmart Charities to six animal welfare organizations to help local pets in need following Hurricane Matthew.

(PetSmart Charities)

Through a dedicated hurricane response effort, the organization continues to work with nonprofit organizations in severely impacted communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Before the storm hit land, PetSmart Charities dispatched an Emergency Relief Waggin’ filled with pet supplies donated by PetSmart’s central region Distribution Center in Ohio to Gainesville, Florida.

Food, cat litter, dog bowls and wired crates were among pet supplies sent to the region to help with displaced pets.

The Humane Society of the United States has also been on the ground in South Carolina providing disaster relief services in the wake of the hurricane.

Their Animal Rescue Team has saved and transported animals to supporting emergency placement partners for shelter.

“The role of animal welfare organizations in and around impacted communities is crucial before, during and after a natural disaster or weather crisis like Hurricane Matthew,” said David Haworth, D.V.M., Ph.D., president of PetSmart Charities.

As local residents sort through the aftermath of the storm, PetSmart Charities anticipates an increased need for pet supplies and medical examinations for displaced pets, as well as repairs for shelters that may have experienced flooding and damage.

The organization has emergency relief and disaster response grants available to help.

To apply for an emergency relief grant from PetSmart Charities to help local pets in need before, during or after a natural disaster, please visit PetSmartCharities.org/pro.

LEGISLATION - Proposed California Law Aims to Save Pets in Hot Cars

A proposed California state law called the ‘Right to Rescue Act’ (AB 797) would permit concerned citizens to save an animal believed to be in danger ‘by any means’.

(Citizen breaking window to remove dog from hot car, Ontario, 2016)

The act ‘provides legal immunity for a person who damages a car in a good faith effort to save an animal from dangerous conditions while trapped in a hot car.’

The act is a joint venture by the Los Angeles County District Attorney and the Humane Society of the United States.

Authored by Republican assembly member Marc Steinorth, he asserts there has been very little opposition to the bill but there is some concern that criminals will use it as an excuse to break windows.

“My only concern is sometimes people will jump the gun, so to speak, and just want to go in there and get the animal out without first giving themselves an opportunity to evaluate the situation or have someone in an official capacity evaluate the situation. But I like the idea that we can help them sooner than later,” he said, adding that waiting for law enforcement to arrive may be too late for the animal.

It's possible crime could lead to the inadvertent rescue of a dog trapped in a sweltering truck, as is the case in a recent instance where thieves broke into a car parked near a Chicago pub to steal a laptop – and wound up freeing a dog trapped in the sweltering vehicle where the outside temperatures had reached into the 80s (likely around 120F in the vehicle).

In order to be granted immunity, the person must be in compliance with the following:

Determine the car is locked or there is no other reasonable method to remove the animal from the vehicle; have a reasonable and good faith belief that the animal is in imminent danger if not immediately removed; contact law enforcement prior to entering the vehicle; use no more force than necessary to enter the vehicle; and, if the person does enter the vehicle, the person must remain nearby with the animal in a safe location until law enforcement arrives. The person may not leave the scene.

The bill follows closely acts enacted in Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

This year has seen other states enact such legislation.

In Ohio, former 2016 Republican presidential candidate Gov. John Kasich signed Bill 215 in March, allowing people to break animals and children in distress free from hot vehicles; the bill comes into effect at the end of August.

A similar bill was passed by the Massachusetts Senate in June.

By Lindsay Seewalt

Lindsay is an experienced journalist and mother of three whose heart and home is always open to a four-legged friend. With her Corgi, Angie, as household editor-in-chief, Lindsay gives back to the animal planet through the written word on anything and all ado about pets. She is passionate about topics regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, which she aims to instill in both her readers and children to be compassionate animal lovers who are conscious and considerate that furry friends around the globe deserve a voice.

WELFARE - Adopt or Shop?

Released last month, the ‘Horrible Hundred 2016’ by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the fourth annual report naming bad puppy mill breeders, cited for unsanitary facilities, improper care of animals and ‘repeat offenders’ who continue to fail to adhere to USDA inspector requirements.

It’s part of the HSUS Stop Puppy Mills Campaign asking individuals to pledge to not shop at stores selling puppies and adopt their next pet rather than, knowingly or unknowingly, purchase a puppy that may be from a puppy mill.

But for some pet owners, there are many reasons to purchase a dog – including allergies that result in the need for a hypoallergenic breed; negative past experiences, including aggression, from poorly handled shelter dogs; the desire to do showing or competitions requiring knowledge about a dog’s lineage and athletic capabilities; and personal preference.

Advocates for the ‘always adopt’ approach remain steadfast that through careful research, there is a suitable rescue for every individual.

“Our advice is to always adopt - don’t buy a dog or other animal companion,” said Emily Pickett, program coordinator for the Vancouver Humane Society. “There is a good chance that dogs bought at pet stores or online come from puppy mills.”

Puppy mill breeders mainly operate through selling online or through pet stores, and further prompt advocates calling for tougher legislation that would prevent pet stores from purchasing from noted offenders.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) president and CEO Mike Bober responded to the ‘Horrible Hundred 2016’.

While acknowledging that the list is informative, the official stance of PIJAC is that banning puppy sales altogether, as is the stance of HSUS, is not the best approach:

“We disagree with the HSUS position that puppy mills ‘will end for good only when consumers become educated and stop buying puppies.’  While adopting a shelter pet is a wonderful option for many, it is not for everyone including those with allergies and other circumstances that require a certain breed. Their right to find their perfect pet should not be taken away.

“We in the responsible pet industry are proud to support legislation establishing meaningful sourcing restrictions, rather than well-intentioned but counter-productive sales bans. In this way, we are working to preserve pet choice and transparency while ensuring the health and well-being of companion animals.”

Bober states that while the list is informative, ‘it does nothing to improve animal welfare or to shut down illegal, unregulated puppy mills who actively avoid legally-required licensing and inspection’.

For Pickett, the challenge with legislation pertaining to the regulation of breeders is difficulty in enforcement.

“The British Columbia government recently announced they will be adopting a regulation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, outlining generally accepted management practices for cat and dog breeders in B.C. and are looking into legislation that will require breeders to be licensed. While in theory this may sound promising, it will prove very difficult to enforce and will not eradicate the pet overpopulation and homelessness issue,” she said.

According to Pickett, around 1.2M dogs (and 1.4M cats) are euthanized annually in the U.S.. With numbers like these, the culprit is certainly overpopulation: pet owners not spaying or neutering, as well as breeders.

Because of these numbers, Pickett she feels there has to be some accountability put on to dog owners choosing breeders over shelters.

“As long as there are animals in need of homes in shelters and rescues, it’s unconscionable that others should continue to be bred and sold.”

Consumers end up in the middle of this issue - wanting to do the right thing, wanting to find a physically and mentally healthy pet, and wanting to find the perfect dog for their family.

For individuals facing this dilemma, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies recommends adoption first. But if that doesn’t work, they provide detailed information about how to find a responsible breeder so consumers can be confident they aren’t supporting puppy mills.

The Top Dog Store in Calgary had adopted a new retail model to help build consumer confidence in their puppies.

Potential pet owners can also visit B4UGETAPET to help plan for their new addition and determine the best pet for them. 

By Lindsay Seewalt

Lindsay is an experienced journalist and mother of three whose heart and home is always open to a four-legged friend. With her Corgi, Angie, as household editor-in-chief, Lindsay gives back to the animal planet through the written word on anything and all ado about pets. She is passionate about topics regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, which she aims to instill in both her readers and children to be compassionate animal lovers who are conscious and considerate that furry friends around the globe deserve a voice.

LEGISLATION - New Jersey Bill Will Ban Declawing

A proposed law would make New Jersey the first state to ban declawing of cats.

Assemblyman Troy Singleton has sponsored legislation that would add onychetomy, the medical term for declawing, to the list of criminal animal cruelty offenses.

Veterinarians that perform the surgery and people who seek it out would face a fine of up to $1,000 or six months in jail. Violators would also face a civil penalty of $500 to $2,000.

Declawing done for medical reasons would be exempt from the new law.

Most people have their cats declawed to protect their property from scratching, however, rather than for medical reasons.

Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe - something many animal organizations feel is inhumane. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off the tip of each finger at the joint.

The American Veterinary Medical Association states, “declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its clawing presents a zoonotic risk for its owner(s).”

The Humane Society of the United States “opposes declawing except for the rare cases when it is necessary for medical purposes, such as the removal of cancerous nail bed tumors.”

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is currently conducting a membership consultation about their domestic cat declawing policy.

If New Jersey passes this legislation, it will be following in the footsteps of a variety of countries around the world.

Declawing traditionally hasn’t been as common in places like Britain, where it was outlawed in 2006.

Many European countries prohibit or significantly restrict the practice, as do Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Turkey.

In the U.S., New York State also has pending legislation to ban the practice, and cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Burbank, Berkeley, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills already have bans in place.

Petition Filed to USDA for Improved Standards of Care for Commercial Breeding Dogs

Several large animal organizations filed a legal petition with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for improved standards of care for dogs in commercial breeding facilities. These facilities are regulated by the USDA however many feel that the current regulations are inhumane.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) are asking for the following changes:

• “Restrict the use of wire flooring in the dogs’ primary cage space. Wire flooring is routinely used in commercial breeding facilities, often in cages stacked on top of each other, and is highly detrimental to the dogs’ welfare;
• Require breeders to provide dogs with access to an exercise space. Current regulations do not mandate even daily or weekly exercise, and many dogs are kept in their cages day in and day out, for years on end;
• Require that dogs be physically examined by a veterinarian at least once per year, including a determination that breeding dogs are fit to endure pregnancy and nursing;
• Restrict the frequency of breeding.  Currently there are no limits on how frequently dogs may be bred, and commercial breeders routinely breed female dogs at every heat, with no rest between litters, contrary to the recommendations of most breed clubs;
• Require breeders to provide dogs with constant access to potable water;
• Increase the minimum cage space requirements so that dogs have adequate space to move around freely and to stand on their hind legs without touching the top of the cage; and
• Require breeders to make reasonable efforts to work with rescue groups to adopt out retired breeding dogs and “unsellable” puppies, rather than euthanizing or abandoning the dogs.” 1 

HSUS President and CEO, Wayne Pacelle said, “It’s common sense that dogs should have water, space, exercise, and other basic care, and responsible dog breeders and pet industry groups should welcome these improved standards to restore consumer confidence and deal with the outliers who cut corners and treat puppies like products. The current standards are insufficient and outdated, and need to be fortified to crack down on abusive puppy mills.”

ASPCA President and CEO, Matt Bershadker said, “Dogs are not products that can be simply warehoused without appropriate regard for their welfare. The public overwhelmingly agrees that the current USDA standards for dogs kept in commercial breeding facilities do not amount to humane treatment for dogs. The USDA needs to recognize this, and step up to ensure these vulnerable animals have proper care to maintain their health and well-being.”

HSVMA Veterinary Advisor, Dr. Susan Krebsbach said, “This petition requests much needed enhancements to existing regulations concerning the treatment of dogs used and bred for commercial sale, including the physical conditions of the breeding facility and the health and welfare of the individual dogs. These new regulations would greatly improve the living space, physical health, and psychological well-being of literally tens of thousands of dogs in the United States.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Industry's Unique Approach to US Puppy Mills

US Pet Industry Associations, Retailers and Animal Welfare Organizations Join to Fight Puppy Mills

Recent reports from the US show a unique industry alliance is taking shape to improve conditions for dogs and puppies produced by 'substandard commercial breeders'. The stated goal of the group is to 'create lasting change in the commercial breeding industry' and to 'ensure the humane care and safety of all dogs and puppies'.

While most observers would find this alliance unusual in a historical context, it does show a thoughtful approach to a serious industry problem and  recognition that individual efforts of the past have been less than successful. Participating organizations include the American Pet Products Association (APPA), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and retailers Petco and Petland.

Agreeing upon a definition of a 'puppy mill', has been the stumbling block.  However, this alliance has been able to assemble a definition for the  controversial and oft misunderstood term:

A dog-breeding operation, which offers dogs for monetary compensation or remuneration, in which the physical, psychological and/or behavioral needs of the dogs are not being fulfilled due to inadequate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care, and/or inappropriate breeding.

In 2010, the Canadian industry created a 'Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct'. The initiative lead by former Canadian Kennel Club CEO, Joe Mauro, continues to languish while major players sort out philosophical differences. PIJAC Canada and other members of the Canadian industry who were involved in the Breeder Code development are keenly watching this US development.  

When contacted for comment, Louis McCann, Executive Director of PIJAC Canada had this to say,

We are inspired to see this spirit of industry collaboration.  The strength behind this collective effort will surely be the vehicle for meaningful advancement in animal care, because animal welfare is everyone’s business.

More information can be found on the Safe Healthy Dogs website.