Last update: April 25, 2001

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TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
CHAPTER I--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

PART 4--RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT

4.1 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.
4.10 Summary action.
4.11 Stipulations.

Subpart A--General

Sec. 4.1 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture promulgated in subpart H of part 1, subtitle A, title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to adjudicatory, administrative proceedings under section 19 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2149). In addition, the Supplemental Rules of Practice set forth in subpart B of this part shall be applicable to such proceedings.

Subpart B--Supplemental Rules of Practice

Sec. 4.10 Summary action.

(a) In any situation where the Administrator has reason to believe that any person licensed under the Act has violated or is violating any provision of the Act, or the regulations or standards issued thereunder, and he deems it warranted under the circumstances, the Administrator may suspend such person's license temporarily, for a period not to exceed 21 days, effective, except as provided in Sec. 4.10(b), upon written notification given to such person of the suspension of his license pursuant to Sec. 1.147(b) of the Uniform Rules of Practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).

(b) In any case of actual or threatened physical harm to animals in violation of the Act, or the regulations or standards issued thereunder, by a person licensed under the Act, the Administrator may suspend such person's license temporarily, for a period not to exceed 21 days, effective upon oral or written notification, whichever is earlier. In the event of oral notification, a written confirmation thereof shall be given to such person pursuant to Sec. 1.147(b) of the Uniform Rules of Practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)) as promptly as circumstances permit.

(c) The temporary suspension of a license shall be in addition to any sanction which may be imposed against said person by the Secretary pursuant to the Act after notice and opportunity for hearing.

Subpart B--Supplemental Rules of Practice

Sec. 4.11 Stipulations.

(a) At any time prior to the issuance of a complaint seeking a civil penalty under the Act, the Administrator, in his discretion, may enter into a stipulation with any person in which:

   (1) The Administrator gives notice of an apparent violation of the Act, or the regulations or standards issued thereunder, by such person and affords such person an opportunity for a hearing regarding the matter as provided by the Act;

  (2) Such person expressly waives hearing and agrees to pay a specified penalty within a designated time; and

   (3) The Administrator agrees to accept the specified penalty in settlement of the particular matter involved if it is paid within the designated time.

(b) If the specified penalty is not paid within the time designated in such a stipulation, the amount of the stipulated penalty shall not be relevant in any respect to the penalty which may be assessed after issuance of a complaint.


***End of part 4***