The new Department of Homeland Security proposed by the Bush
Administration may have unintended, negative consequences for animals.
Under his plan to consolidate security programs, President Bush has
proposed transferring the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) out of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) into the
Department of Homeland Security.
Among its existing responsibilities, APHIS is charged with enforcing the
Animal Welfare Act. While we have had problems with APHIS' enforcement
efforts in the past, we're making some progress, thanks to public
attention and increased funding from Congress. Shifting this
responsibility to a department focused on homeland security concerns will
almost certainly mean that the well-being of millions of animals at puppy
mills, laboratories, zoos, circuses and other facilities will be relegated
to the back burner.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Contact your federal legislators via the Congressional switchboard
(202-224-3121). Urge them to oppose transferring animal welfare
enforcement responsibilities from the USDA to the new Department of
Homeland Security. You can say that while you do not object to the general
goal of consolidating security programs within the federal government, you
do object to the transfer of Animal Welfare Act inspectors and
investigators to this new Department. You can look up the names of your
U.S. Representative and your two U.S. Senators at www.vote-smart.org or
call The HSUS at 202/955-3666.
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