Keep the USDA Transparent and Accountable

In early 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed action that could dramatically reduce government oversight of animal facilities like puppy mills. This is the agency charged with ensuring the millions of animals in roadside zoos, puppy mills, and research labs across the country receive the basic care required by the federal Animal Welfare Act.

Under the proposal, the USDA would decrease inspections at facilities that obtain certifications from private industry groups — in other words, an organization that represents the interests of roadside zoos could “certify” roadside zoos. These industries profit from abuse and would not be accountable to the public or the animals.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund provided comments and issued an alert about the USDA’s proposed changes. We also urged animal lovers to submit a comment to the USDA urging it to reject self-policing.

These voices were heard. In May 2018, the USDA announced that it rejected the self-policing proposal.

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