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There are fewer than 25 "random source" animal dealers operating throughout the country. These individuals are U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed Class B dealers who provide cats and dogs to research facilities. Despite the small
number of dealers, the fraudulent acquisition and subsequent sale of family companion pets to research remains a constant
enforcement shortcoming for the USDA.
Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act more than 30 years ago specifically
to address the mistreatment of animals destined for research and to prevent the sale of family pets for experimentation. Yet,
30 years later, the USDA is still unable to provide animal guardians (pet owners) with complete protection against the actions
of unscrupulous dealers.
In his remarks to the Senate when he introduced the Pet Safety and Protection Act (S.
668), Senator Daniel Akaka stated, "While I am not suggesting that laboratories intentionally seek out stolen or fraudulently
obtained dogs and cats as research subjects, the fact remains that many of these animals end up in research laboratories,
and little is being done to stop it. It is clear to most observers, including animal welfare organizations around the country,
that this problem persisits because of random source animal dealers."
This bill will strengthen the Animal
Welfare Act by prohibiting random source animal dealers from supplying dogs and cats to research laboratories. The National
Institutes of Health, in an effort to curb abuse and deception, has already adopted policies against the acquisition of dogs
and cats from random source dealers.
Please contact your senators and ask that they co-sponsor S. 668. Ask your
representative to support similar legislation in the House of Representatives.
Reprinted article from Animal Guardian published by the Doris Day Animal Foundation - Fall, 2001.
CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES A PRE-WRITTEN LETTER, FAX OR E-MAIL ASKING THEM TO SUPPORT The Charitable Pet Trust
Act (H.R. 1796)
Charitable Pet Trusts Act (H.R. 1796)
Summary: Allow animal guardians to establish a "charitable remainder trust" to care for their animals. After
the animals pass away, the remainder of the trust goes to a specified charity.
Status: Active.
Sponsors: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Position/Action: SUPPORT. Contact your representative and ask him or her to co-sponsor H.R. 1796.
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