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No Profit For Pain: Deny License Renewals for AWA Violators

For years there has been intense public scrutiny regarding random-source animal brokers called Class B dealers and their methods of obtaining dogs and cats, as well as the care and treatment they provide to animals at their facilities. Congress has also voiced concern, calling for the creation of an Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Committee to investigate the issue, and federal legislation aimed at eliminating random-source Class B dealers has been considered.

Regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), legislation outlining the minimal standards of care for animals in research and other industries, random-source Class B dealers typically obtain dogs and cats from shelters and then sell them to education and research facilities. Currently, there are 10 random-source Class B dealers operating in the U.S., and the majority have been cited by USDA for multiple violations of the AWA, including C&C Kennels (Wewoka, Oklahoma) and R&R Research (Howard City, Michigan).

The above-mentioned random-source Class B dealers have committed violations that range from failure to provide clean, safe housing and adequate veterinary care and treatment to obtaining animals from illegal sources. Although USDA considers these dealers high risk and inspects them at least four times a year, the agency continues to allow them to retain their licenses. As a result, these dealers are profiting from animal pain and misfortune. In fact, random-source Class B dealers have pocketed well over $3.5 million over the course of just three years, despite their unscrupulous activities.

It is the USDA’s responsibility to enforce the AWA to ensure that dealers are humanely caring for and legally obtaining animals. Rather than continuing to repeatedly cite random-source Class B dealers with AWA violations, USDA should terminate their licenses.

What you can do!

Use the form below to contact USDA and urge the agency to eliminate random-source Class B dealers. You may use the sample letter if you wish, or edit it so that it is in your own words.

Recipients
Chester Gipson

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