USDA to Regulate Birds
After 16 Year Delay As a result of a lawsuit brought by AAVS and the Avian Welfare Coalition, a court order requires USDA to complete rulemaking to protect birds, a process that the agency began 16 years ago. USDA’s failure to provide coverage for these animals has allowed birds nationwide to needlessly suffer in commercial industries covered by the Animal Welfare Act, particularly in exhibition, breeding, and the pet trade. “AAVS has been working to gain protections for birds since 2000, when USDA first agreed to draft regulations. We were determined that they would not walk away from that commitment,” said Sue Leary, President of AAVS. "In 2004, the agency started the rulemaking process but it never went anywhere. This year, a court agreed with us that our claim of 'unreasonable delay' had merit, and that was a turning point." To help prevent any more delays, the court order outlines a schedule for the rulemaking process, which will start with USDA publishing a notice this summer for listening sessions. AAVS will be sure to notify our supporters when that happens, so you can voice your support for the strongest regulations possible. Not surprisingly, those who exploit birds will be putting up a fight and claiming that breeding operations, called 'bird mills,' are just fine. They are not. Stay tuned! |
