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Last Changed on September 27, 2004: Big Cat Symposium
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Animal Care Mission Statement:

AC provides leadership in establishing acceptable standards of humane animal care and treatment and to monitor and achieve compliance with the Animal Welfare Act through inspections, education, and cooperative efforts.

Animal Care EEO/CR Advisory Committee

AC EEO/CR

USDA General Policy:

USDA Privacy Statement

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

Government Employment

Job vacancies at APHIS, and
Government Wide

Meetings of Interest:

Horse Protection Technology Educational Meetings:
Animal Care is holding a series of free educational meetings to present current information on new technology being explored for use in the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act. The first meeting was in July. The final two meetings are planned for October 21, 2004 in Temecula, CA and October 23, 2004 in Federal Way, Washington. See details here. Future meetings will be announced as planning is completed.

Big Cat Symposium:

This is a notice to animal exhibitors, dealers, transporters, researchers, animal protection groups, industry groups, and other interested persons that we are holding a series of educational symposia to present current information on the care and maintenance of exotic big cats. This notice provides the agenda for the symposia and information on the location and dates of the final two symposia. There will be two one-day big cat symposiums in St. Louis, MO on October 27, 2004 and in Riverdale, MD on December 8, 2004. Topics will include veterinary care issues, transportation, new training methods, nutrition, and more. Please click here for more information. Also, please read the official publication.

Recent Issues, Reports, and Highlights:

Update on APHIS’ Case Against Martin Creek Kennels

We are receiving emails, letters, and telephone calls inquiring about our case against Chester C. Baird, aka C.C. Baird. Please note that on July 12, 2004, APHIS amended its Complaint against Mr. Baird and others alleging numerous violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The AWA does not authorize the summary revocation of a person's AWA license. The AWA and the Administrative Procedures Act require that licensees be provided due process.

Thus, in accordance with the law, APHIS is affording Mr. Baird notice and the opportunity for a hearing. APHIS has requested an expedited hearing in this matter.

Update on APHIS’ Settlement with The Hawthorn Corporation and John F. Cuneo, Jr.

Last March, APHIS entered into a consent decision and order that settled an Animal Welfare Act enforcement case against John F. Cuneo, Jr., and The Hawthorn Corporation. Among other things, Hawthorn and Cuneo admitted to violations of the Animal Welfare Act, paid a $200,000 civil penalty, and agreed to donate their sixteen elephants, by August 15, 2004, to facilities that could demonstrate the ability to care for the elephants in compliance with the AWA and were approved by APHIS. Under the settlement, if Hawthorn and Cuneo failed to donate the elephants by August 15, Hawthorn’s license would be revoked.

In late July and early August, Hawthorn and Cuneo filed motions with USDA’s Chief Administrative Law Judge seeking to change the August 15 deadline and vacate the settlement. Two days before the deadline, the Chief Administrative Law Judge issued a ruling staying the deadline until he ruled on the motions. This means that, for the time being, Cuneo is allowed to keep his elephants. APHIS is appealing the ruling that stays the deadline to the USDA’s Judicial Officer, and seeking an order from the Judicial Officer vacating that ruling. Hawthorn and Cuneo will be afforded the opportunity to respond, and the Judicial Officer will rule on the appeal.

As of the August deadline, thirteen elephants have not been donated and, in light of the Chief Administrative Law Judge’s ruling, APHIS has not revoked Hawthorn’s license.

Federal Register Notices and Information

APHIS Rulemaking (how a regulation becomes a regulation)

All Federal Register Notices

Read Comments to Rules

Regulations and Standards for Birds, Rats, and Mice

Extension of Birds, Rat, Mice Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to November 1, 2004

Final Rule: Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing, and Procurement of Animals: Amends the Animal Welfare Act regulations to revise and clarify the exemptions from the licensing requirements, the procedures for applying for licenses and renewals, and the restrictions upon the acquisition of dogs, cats, and other animals. For breeders of small exotic pets, such as sugar gliders, hedgehogs, spiny mice, degus, short tailed opossums, etc, there is an exemption from licensing based on number of animals owned

Final Rule: Definition of Animal

Animal Welfare; Policy on Training and Handling of Potentially Dangerous Animals (97-001-5)

Regulation of Non-Domestic Air Carriers

Policy Manual

Press Releases

Pet Travel Information:

For routine importation or exportation of pets please go to the APHIS Veterinary Services National Center Import and Export (NCIE) page or call 301-734-8364.

For other information on pet travel, please go to this page.

BSE information

USDA Web Page

APHIS Web Page

Alert on Giant Snails:

This is a public service message about a new pest that can pose dangers to humans.

Pages of Interest:

Request an Application Kit for Licensing or Registration

Request an Animal Care Form or Forms

Annual Report Submission (Please note: a new password is needed each year. You can request the new password on the first page after clicking the link. Also, not all browsers work with this link.

Question and Answer Page

Answers for Frequently Searched Items


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Page last modified 3/8/2004