While searching the USDA site, I found the following old news that may be
of interets:
 
"AEROGROUND INC. CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE ANIMAL DEATHS
 
RIVERDALE, Md., Aug. 16, 1999--The U.S.  Department of Agriculture
recently charged registered intermediate animal handler Aeroground Inc.
of San Francisco, Calif., with violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
 
"We believe that Aeroground caused or contributed to the deaths of four
ferrets," said W.  Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator for animal care with
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing
and regulatory programs mission area.  "Intermediate handlers are entrusted
with the safe shipment of animals.  If there is a problem, APHIS will take
action."
 
APHIS investigators found that Aeroground Inc.  failed to expeditiously
move a shipment of seven ferrets from an outdoor staging area to its animal
holding area within the terminal.  The ferrets were left in a covered
freight cart in the sun, which resulted in four of their deaths and harm
to the surviving three.
 
APHIS personnel conduct inspections of licensees to ensure compliance with
the Act.  Any violations that inspectors find can lead to civil penalties.
The AWA requires that regulated individuals and businesses provide animals
with care and treatment according to standards established by APHIS.  The
standards include requirements for recordkeeping, adequate housing,
sanitation, food, water, transportation, exercise for dogs, veterinary
care, and shelter.  The law regulates the care of animals that are sold as
pets at the wholesale level, transported in commerce, used for biomedical
research, or used for exhibition purposes."
[Posted in FML issue 3104]