DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: November 1, 2004
(See Mailing Instructions and Sample Letter Below)
In 2002, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed to include birds, rats, and mice under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). But research industry lobbyists pressured Congress to eliminate birds, rats and mice bred for research from the definition of “animal” under the law. However, many birds, rats and mice are still covered under the law including a large number of wild-caught birds used in research.
USDA is now requesting public input before it proposes the necessary new regulations. This will be the first time that enforceable, legal standards of care will be extended to these animals.
POINTS TO EMPHASIZE:
- You support the position advocated in the comments submitted by the American Anti-Vivisection Society (see letter below).
- The new regulations covering certain birds, mice and rats under the Animal Welfare Act should, at a minimum, accomplish the following:
1) Extend enforcement of the AWA to all animals not specifically excluded by Congress in 2002, in all categories: use in research/testing/teaching, and for breeding, wholesale pet sales, exhibition, and in transportation.
2) Prohibit the transport and sale of unweaned baby birds in commerce. These young, fragile birds are at great risk of succumbing to disease, mishandling, and the extreme hazards of transport.
3) Require environmental enrichment for all these animals in keeping with the AWA’s goal of ensuring “humane care and treatment.”
Require health certificates for all animals and mandatory testing of birds being transported to prevent transmission of disease and to provide a further barrier to the illegal trade in wild-caught birds.
4) Require health certificates for all animals and mandatory testing of birds being transported, to prevent disease transmission and to provide a further barrier to the illegal trade in wild-caught birds.
5) Regulate retail pet stores that sell larger species of birds such as conures, parrots, macaws, and cockatoos. Retail sales of other wild/exotic animals are regulated: this should include birds since, even when captive bred, they are still wild by nature and have not been “domesticated.”
Mailing Instructions (Sample letter follows)
- Personalized letters are often more effective than standardized or copied letters so, if possible, submit your own letter using information from this action alert.
- Keep your letter to one page.
- Include your signature, printed name, and mailing address.
- Send an original letter and 3 copies of the letter as required.
- Include “Docket No. 98-106-04” on your letter.
- Mail to:
Docket No. 98-106-4
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD
APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700
River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
To mail your letter + 3 copies online, visit:
http://www.aavs.org/action alertsSpecialAlert.html
http://comments.aphi s.usda.gov
Remember to state at the outset: Docket No. 98-106-4
The following letter is provided by the American Anti-Vivisection Society who issued this action alert and leads this campaign. Remember: 1 original & 3 copies!
_________________
Docket No. 98-106-4
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD
APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700
River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
To USDA:
I am writing in response to Docket No. 98-106-4, the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding standards of care for birds, mice, and rats under the Animal Welfare Act.
The new regulations covering certain birds, mice, and rats under the Animal Welfare Act should, at a minimum, accomplish the following:
1. Extend enforcement of the AWA to all animals not specifically excluded by Congress in 2002, in all categories: use in research/testing/teaching, and for breeding, wholesale pet sales, exhibition, and in transportation.
2. Prohibit the transport and sale of unweaned baby birds in commerce. These young, fragile birds are at great risk of succumbing to disease, mishandling, and the extreme hazards of transport.
3. Require that researchers, breeders, and others who sell these animals or use them for experimentation provide environmental enrichment. Achieving the AWA’s goal of ensuring “humane care and treatment” for animals used in research, entertainment, and as pets requires that their species-specific physical and psychological needs be met whatever the setting.
4. Require health certificates for all animals and mandatory testing of birds for Exotic Newcastle Disease and Avian Chlamydiosis. This will help prevent the spread of infectious disease and provide a further barrier to the illegal trade in wild-caught birds.
5. Regulate retail pet stores that sell the larger breeds of birds, such as conures and parrots. Retail sales of other wild and exotic animals are regulated; this should include birds since, even captive bred, they are still wild by nature and have not been “domesticated.”
The minimum protections afforded under the AWA have been denied to these species for too long” the Department should propose new regulations quickly.
Sincerely,
United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
PO Box 150
Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
757-678-7875
FAX: 757-678-5070
www.upc-online.org
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