LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - May 25, 2010) - Last Chance for Animals (LCA) has been at the forefront of investigating puppy mills and B-Dealers around the country for years. They have documented countless violations of the Animal Welfare Act and have been appalled to find large and small scale breeders operating with seeming impunity from the USDA.
For the last 20 years the OIG has conducted an audit on animal care and concluded in 1992, '95 and 2005 that APHIS could not ensure the humane care and treatment of animals at all dealer facilities as required by AWA. They stated that "APHIS did not inspect dealer facilities with reliable frequency, and it did not enforce timely correction of violations found during inspections. Moreover, APHIS did not timely penalize facilities found to be in violation of AWA." In 2005 the OIG concluded that "APHIS offered other concessions (to breeders and research facilities) making the fines basically meaningless. Violators considered the monetary stipulation as a normal cost of business rather than a deterrent for violating the law."
In their latest report on APHIS released May 25, 2010 the OIG found:
Out of 4,250 violators of the AWA, 2, 416 repeatedly violated the same statute, including 863 reoffending in the same subsection.
That inspectors typically take no enforcement action against first-time violators, even if a direct violation is found.
Inadequate enforcement against repeat violators -- and when instructions specified a stronger action such as stipulation or litigation, inspectors were allowed to recommend a more lenient option.
Even in extreme circumstances where animals are dying or suffering APHIS added a provision requiring that the violator be given a final opportunity to take corrective action before confiscation can occur.
Last Chance for Animals President Chris DeRose is available for comment on this issue. Please contact (310) 271-6096 x22 siu67@lcanimal.org to schedule an interview.
Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal rights organization based in Los Angeles, has been active for more than two decades. Founded and led by animal expert, author, and actor, Chris DeRose. LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty. For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Last Chance for Animals
Chris DeRose
310-271-6096 ext.22
siu67@lcanimal.org