From:
Linda Iroff
Date: 2008-06-29 21:06:52 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] USDA proposal, July 8 deadline for action! PLEASE ACT TODAY!
To: Ferret Mailing List <ferret-l@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG>
A few years ago we worked hard to convince the USDA to create ferret-
specific regulations governing their transport and care. The inside=20
word we have gotten is that the ferret industry is too small to=20
warrant the creation of such rules.
However, they have created a generic proposal that will set an 8-week=20
and weaned requirement for the transport of any warm-blooded animal.
The deadline for comment is JULY 8, 2008! WE MUST ACT NOW!!
Below is a brief description of the proposal and how to submit your=20
comments. A sample letter is also attached. Feel free to use it,=20
modify it or write your own.
The main point is that we agree that an 8-week minimum age for=20
transport is beneficial to ferrets, both domestic and black-footed.
Please feel free to cross-post.
Linda Iroff
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
---
The American Council for Ferret Health, Welfare and Policy,=20
Washington, DC
DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE: July 8, 2008
AGENCY: Federal =96 USDA =96 Animal & Plant Health Inspection Agency
REFERENCE: [Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024] RIN 0579-AC14
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Part 2 Proposed Rule
=93Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals=94
NOTICE: USDA has posted a Period for Public Comment on these=20
regulations.
IMPACT: Regulations for FERRETS would match those currently in=20
place for DOGS and CATS. FERRETS
would be required to be weaned and at least 8 weeks of age prior to=20
removal from their mothers and transport to a
Retail facility, exhibit, etc. For young animals used in research,=20
the research must be reviewed and approved by
an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) along with=20
provisions specified as to care of animals
during transport, if the animals do not meet the minimum age=20
requirements of 8 weeks.
WHY YOU SHOULD RESPOND: New regulations, while not specific to=20
FERRETS, would impose new
requirements where no prior requirements have existed for FERRETS.
SUMMARY: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to amend the=20
Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
regulations by adding minimum age requirements of 8 weeks for the=20
transport in commerce of animals. Current
regulations require dogs and cats to be weaned and a minimum of 8=20
weeks of age before they can be transported
from the breeder location to a retail store or other venue. No=20
regulations currently exist for FERRETS or other
warm-blooded species. The Proposed Regulations would allow, provided=20
certain conditions are met, for animals to
be transported without their mothers for medical treatment and for=20
scientific research before reaching the minimum
age and weaning requirement. Setting MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS of 8=20
weeks for the transport in commerce
of animals and providing for the transport of animals that have not=20
met the minimum age requirements are
necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of these animals.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Submit your comments online or by mail: [SEE SAMPLE FORM LETTER]
1) ONLINE: Federal =93eRulemaking=94 Portal: Go to
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=3DDocketDetail&d=
=3DAPHIS-2006-0024
Click on "APHIS-2006-0024-0001" to view the proposal, and on the icon=20
in that row in the Comments column to add your own comment.
You may also view the comments submitted by others there.
2) OR MAIL 2 COPIES SIGNED COPIES OF YOUR LETTER TO:
USDA =96 APHIS: Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS
Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, APHIS, 4700=20
River Road Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1231; (301) 734-7833.
-------------
Sample letter:
[YOUR LETTERHEAD]
[name/address]
[July -- , 2008]
RE: 9 CFR Part 2 [Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024] RIN 0579-AC14
PR: =93Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals=94
United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing in support of the above referenced PROPOSED RULE (PR)=20
to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations by adding minimum age=20
requirements for the transport in commerce of animals. We are aware=20
that the current regulations address age limits for dogs and cats, but=20
that no corresponding regulations exist for ferrets.
We agree and strongly support your proposal to amend the current=20
regulations to restrict the transport of ferrets that are less than 8=20
weeks of age, unless certain conditions have been met, as outlined in=20
the PR.
For both the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) and the wild=20
black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), establishing federal minimum=20
age requirements for the transport in commerce of ferrets, and=20
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum=20
age of 8 weeks of age, are necessary to help ensure the humane=20
treatment of these animals.
[ADDITIONAL: YOU MAY ADD EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED IN THE=20
PAST, OR YOUR REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THIS PROPOSED RULE]
Sincerely,
[SIGNED - YOUR NAME]
=20
------------------------------------
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