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
-
Exposing Animal Abusers: Update on the Animal Welfare Blackout
In early 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purged tens of thousands of important documents related to animal welfare from the agency’s website. The purged inspection reports documented violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).September 18, 2019 News -
Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Lawsuit Challenging USDA Secrecy on Animal Welfare Act Records
Animal protection coalition wins important victory in fight to restore animal welfare databasesAugust 29, 2019 Press Release -
Federal Government Sued for Critical Information Related to Puerto Rico Zoo’s Terminated License
Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park has been illegally operating without federal license for more than a year.April 4, 2019 Press Release
