The Cavalry Group Report: Lobbying on Capitol Hill
breed, and work with animals and are required to be licensed under USDA . My discussions with the House centered around the concerning issue of USDA’s abuse of power and targeted inspections by the Animal Care Division. These inspections are reminiscent of the heavy-handed Agriculture Committee
is a need for oversight action to curb these abuses and ensure that inspections are fair, just, and non-adversarial.
USDA’s Mislead Plan that is Harming Aviculture I was joined on Capitol Hill for 3 days by an aviculture specialist who brought the facts and science to our conversation with Members of the House Agriculture Committee as to why the presence of USDA inspectors in a bird breeding aviary can cause significant stress to birds, risking health and breeding success of birds under USDA’s one-size- fits-all approach to regulatory oversight. Bird breeders in the U.S. Aviculture industry are dedicated to the conservation and welfare of birds. However, the recent Rule Promulgation by USDA, adding 10,000 species of birds under the Animal Welfare Act, was spearheaded solely by animal rights groups, and burdening bird breeders with unnecessary and harmful regulations. Together we urged Members of the House Agriculture Committee to consider the vital role that breeding plays in the conservation of birds and
This past week, I had the privilege of representing The Cavalry Group and our dedicated members on Capitol Hill. Our focus was to address critical issues affecting animal enterprise, specifically targeting USDA’s overreach, targeted inspections, and the implications of proposed legislative and regulatory changes. Through meetings with key Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, my aim was to ensure fair treatment and protect the interests of our members who raise,
enforcement seen during the Obama administration, causing undue stress and burden on USDA licensees. Every Member of the House Agriculture Committee expressed agreement towards my concerns, acknowledging that the USDA has been overstepping its bounds, implementing rules that are inconsistent with the Animal Welfare Act resulting in unnecessary harassment of conscientious breeders. The consensus was clear: there
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 38
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