APHIS/USDA Rules

Well folks, it's time to address an important issue that threatens to put small, hobby breeders like me out of breeding.

The USDA, under the lobbying of the Humane Society of the United States (NOT the same as your local Humane Society), they have been moving to eliminate the breeding of pedigreed animals - period. And ultimately to a goal of no pets.  Keep in mind that the head of HSUS is directly from PETA and is not the same as animal welfare.  They view any animal use be it agriculture, pets, service animals, etc. as abuse.  So, they invest millions of dollars lobbying against the little guy like me and many other hobby breeders.  This is just an example of government over reaching its boundaries.  This is being pushed through because it does not require any legislation.  It is a rule change.

To that end the USDA (who now has their legal counsel directly from HSUS), has begun the march.  Breeders with more than 4 (yes 4 not 14, not 20, not 40) females fall under the control of the USDA.  That means that someone like me with 5 girls would have to meet their housing requirements for my cats which are based on high volume DOG breeders.  This includes: concrete floors only, cages, drains in each "run", only materials impervious to moisture allowed, access to the outside, etc.  That means cats allowed outside?  no bedding, no scratching posts...gone will be kittens raised with families and crawling up on my bed in the middle of the night. They would need to be treated like commercial dog kennels or livestock and not cats.

What happens if I have 4 females, well then I can be "exempt" but I have to essentially turn my house into a pet store and make it open to the public.  Imagine letting complete strangers into your home if you live alone, have small children, are older, etc.  The risk to public safety is astounding - all because you love your breed and are devoted to its development.

If you want more information on the Humane Society of the United States check out HumaneWatch

For more information on fighting Animal Rights legislation that gradually erodes our freedom check out the following:

Sportsman's & Animal Owners Voting Alliance
RPOA
Pet-Law