Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Response to the USDA Removing Online Animal Welfare Reports
Revoking longstanding means of public access to these documents makes it more difficult, time-consuming and expensive for the public and animal protection groups to track compliance with federal law
Contact: media@aldf.org
Cotati, CA – The Animal Legal Defense Fund is dismayed by the sudden blackout of tens of thousands of critical U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports pertaining to animal welfare. These reports document inhumane treatment of animals and violations of the federal by research labs, puppy mills, zoos, circuses and animal transporters.
Revoking longstanding means of public access to these documents makes it more difficult, time-consuming and expensive for the public and animal protection groups to track compliance with federal law or to become aware of serious and repeat offenders. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has already begun evaluating all legal options, including suing the USDA.
“Scrubbing Animal Welfare Act inspection reports from the internet is an affront to the transparency vital to our democracy,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “The Animal Legal Defense Fund hopes the administration reverses course on this decision and will explore all available means to restore free and fair access to such vital public information.”
Related
-
Animal Legal Defense Fund Urges USDA to Revoke AWA License from Convicted Wildlife Trafficker
The Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted a complaint urging the USDA APHIS to investigate and revoke the AWA exhibitor license for Jason Clay.February 27, 2024 Press Release -
Legal Petition Urges USDA to Adopt Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Wildlife Services Program
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, as part of a coalition, submitted a petition for rulemaking to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service urging Wildlife Services to phase out lethal control of wild animals, including prohibiting specific practices such as neck snares, M-44 cyanide bombs, lead bullets, and more.November 21, 2023 Press Release -
USDA Restricting Access to Plant-Based Milks in National School Lunch Program is Dietary Racism
Proposed rule would maintain an unnecessarily complicated and confusing process for children to get access to plant-based milkMay 11, 2023 Press Release