[Moderator's note: Similar item also posted by Ferretwise, but deleted
from FML for brevity. BIG]
A few years ago we worked hard to convince the USDA to create ferret-
specific regulations governing their transport and care. The inside
word we have gotten is that the ferret industry is too small to warrant
the creation of such rules.
However, they have created a generic proposal that will set an 8-week
and weaned requirement for the transport of any warm-blooded animal.
The deadline for comment is JULY 8, 2008! WE MUST ACT NOW!!
Below is a brief description of the proposal and how to submit your
comments. A sample letter is also attached. Feel free to use it, modify
it or write your own.
The main point is that we agree that an 8-week minimum age for
transport is beneficial to ferrets, both domestic and black-footed.
Please feel free to cross-post.
Linda Iroff
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
---
The American Council for Ferret Health, Welfare and Policy,
Washington, DC
DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE: July 8, 2008
AGENCY: Federal -- USDA -- Animal & Plant Health Inspection Agency
REFERENCE: [Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024] RIN 0579-AC14
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Part 2 Proposed Rule
"Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals"
NOTICE: USDA has posted a Period for Public Comment on these
regulations.
IMPACT: Regulations for FERRETS would match those currently in place
for DOGS and CATS. FERRETS would be required to be weaned and at least
8 weeks of age prior to removal from their mothers and transport to a
Retail facility, exhibit, etc. For young animals used in research, the
research must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Animal Care
and Use Committee (IACUC) along with provisions specified as to care of
animals during transport, if the animals do not meet the minimum age
requirements of 8 weeks.
WHY YOU SHOULD RESPOND: New regulations, while not specific to FERRETS,
would impose new requirements where no prior requirements have existed
for FERRETS.
SUMMARY: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to amend the
Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations by adding minimum age requirements
of 8 weeks for the transport in commerce of animals. Current
regulations require dogs and cats to be weaned and a minimum of 8 weeks
of age before they can be transported from the breeder location to a
retail store or other venue. No regulations currently exist for FERRETS
or other warm-blooded species. The Proposed Regulations would allow,
provided certain conditions are met, for animals to be transported
without their mothers for medical treatment and for scientific research
before reaching the minimum age and weaning requirement. Setting
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS of 8 weeks for the transport in commerce of
animals and providing for the transport of animals that have not met
the minimum age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane
treatment of these animals.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Submit your comments online or by mail: [SEE SAMPLE FORM LETTER]
1) ONLINE: Federal "eRulemaking" Portal: Go to
<http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2006-0024>
Click on "APHIS-2006-0024-0001" to view the proposal, and on the icon
in that row in the Comments column to add your own comment.
You may also view the comments submitted by others there.
2) OR MAIL 2 COPIES SIGNED COPIES OF YOUR LETTER TO:
USDA -- APHIS: Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS
Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Barbara Kohn,
Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care,
APHIS,
4700 River Road Unit 84,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
(301) 734-7833.
-------------
Sample letter:
[YOUR LETTERHEAD]
[name/address]
[July -- , 2008]
RE: 9 CFR Part 2 [Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024] RIN 0579-AC14
PR: "Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals"
United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing in support of the above referenced PROPOSED RULE (PR)
to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations by adding minimum age
requirements for the transport in commerce of animals. We are aware
that the current regulations address age limits for dogs and cats,
but that no corresponding regulations exist for ferrets.
We agree and strongly support your proposal to amend the current
regulations to restrict the transport of ferrets that are less than
8 weeks of age, unless certain conditions have been met, as outlined
in the PR.
For both the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) and the wild
black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), establishing federal minimum
age requirements for the transport in commerce of ferrets, and
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum
age of 8 weeks of age, are necessary to help ensure the humane
treatment of these animals.
[ADDITIONAL: YOU MAY ADD EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED IN THE
PAST, OR YOUR REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THIS PROPOSED RULE]
Sincerely,
[SIGNED - YOUR NAME]
[Posted in FML 6017]
|
