House Resolution 6193, the “Alternative Pilot Protein Act,” would direct the Secretary of the Navy to establish a three-year pilot program to offer plant-based protein options at certain Naval bases around the world. The bill was introduced by Representative Elissa Slotkin and has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Issue 119
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates - Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Establish a Pilot Program for Plant Based Protein Options in the Navy
House Considers Removing Two Grizzly Bear Populations from the Endangered Species List and Eliminate Possibility of Judicial Review
House Resolution 6284, the “Science Based Grizzly Bear Management Act of 2021,” would direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population (“Yellowstone Population”) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Endangered Species List. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the Yellowstone Population from the Endangered Species List in 2017, paving the way for hunting in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. In September 2018, a federal judge restored protections for that distinct population segment of grizzly bears, finding that FWS had acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner by failing to consider the delisting impact on other populations of grizzly bears. H.R. 6284 notably would eliminate the possibility of judicial review for the delisting decision. The bill was introduced by Rep. Matthew Rosendale of Montana and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
House Resolution 6284, the “Science Based Grizzly Bear Management Act of 2021,” would direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population (“Yellowstone Population”) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Endangered Species List. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the Yellowstone Population from the Endangered Species List in 2017, paving the way for hunting in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. In September 2018, a federal judge restored protections for that distinct population segment of grizzly bears, finding that FWS had acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner by failing to consider the delisting impact on other populations of grizzly bears. H.R. 6284 notably would eliminate the possibility of judicial review for the delisting decision. The bill was introduced by Rep. Matthew Rosendale of Montana and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Legislative Updates - Pending State Actions
Bill Would Ban the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals in the State of Washington
Washington House Bill 1615 would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were developed or manufactured using animal testing that was conducted or contracted for by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning January 1, 2023. It has been referred to the Washington House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business.
Washington House Bill 1615 would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were developed or manufactured using animal testing that was conducted or contracted for by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning January 1, 2023. It has been referred to the Washington House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business.
Bill Would Ban the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals in the State of Florida
Florida House Bill 1279, the “Humane Cosmetics Act,” would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were manufactured with animal testing at any stage of development by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning July 1, 2022. It would impose a base penalty of $5,000 per violation and an additional $1,000 penalty for each day that the offending party continues to be in violation. An identical bill, Florida Senate Bill 1718, is pending in the Florida Senate.
Florida House Bill 1279, the “Humane Cosmetics Act,” would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were manufactured with animal testing at any stage of development by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning July 1, 2022. It would impose a base penalty of $5,000 per violation and an additional $1,000 penalty for each day that the offending party continues to be in violation. An identical bill, Florida Senate Bill 1718, is pending in the Florida Senate.
Bill Would Establish Publicly Available Animal Abuser Registry in Florida
Florida House Bill 1341 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to post a publicly available registry of persons convicted of specified animal abuse crimes on the FDLE website. The bill also would prohibit the transfer of animals to individuals on the registry and impose other limitations on registered offenders’ access to animals. An identical bill, Senate Bill 1806, has been introduced in the Florida Senate.
Florida House Bill 1341 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to post a publicly available registry of persons convicted of specified animal abuse crimes on the FDLE website. The bill also would prohibit the transfer of animals to individuals on the registry and impose other limitations on registered offenders’ access to animals. An identical bill, Senate Bill 1806, has been introduced in the Florida Senate.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Establish a Pilot Program for Plant Based Protein Options in the Navy
House Resolution 6193, the “Alternative Pilot Protein Act,” would direct the Secretary of the Navy to establish a three-year pilot program to offer plant-based protein options at certain Naval bases around the world. The bill was introduced by Representative Elissa Slotkin and has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
House Resolution 6193, the “Alternative Pilot Protein Act,” would direct the Secretary of the Navy to establish a three-year pilot program to offer plant-based protein options at certain Naval bases around the world. The bill was introduced by Representative Elissa Slotkin and has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
House Considers Removing Two Grizzly Bear Populations from the Endangered Species List and Eliminate Possibility of Judicial Review
House Resolution 6284, the “Science Based Grizzly Bear Management Act of 2021,” would direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population (“Yellowstone Population”) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Endangered Species List. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the Yellowstone Population from the Endangered Species List in 2017, paving the way for hunting in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. In September 2018, a federal judge restored protections for that distinct population segment of grizzly bears, finding that FWS had acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner by failing to consider the delisting impact on other populations of grizzly bears. H.R. 6284 notably would eliminate the possibility of judicial review for the delisting decision. The bill was introduced by Rep. Matthew Rosendale of Montana and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
House Resolution 6284, the “Science Based Grizzly Bear Management Act of 2021,” would direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population (“Yellowstone Population”) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Endangered Species List. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the Yellowstone Population from the Endangered Species List in 2017, paving the way for hunting in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. In September 2018, a federal judge restored protections for that distinct population segment of grizzly bears, finding that FWS had acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner by failing to consider the delisting impact on other populations of grizzly bears. H.R. 6284 notably would eliminate the possibility of judicial review for the delisting decision. The bill was introduced by Rep. Matthew Rosendale of Montana and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Bill Would Delay Implementation of Rule Relating to Import of Sheep and Goats
House Resolution 6232 would delay implementation of a rule relating to the importation of sheep and goats so that a study of the potential costs and benefits can be conducted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed the rule in 2016, which would remove bovine spongiform encephalophy-related import restrictions on sheep and goats and most of their products; add import restrictions for certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species; and bring regulations in alignment with guidelines set out in the World Organization for Animal Health’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
House Resolution 6232 would delay implementation of a rule relating to the importation of sheep and goats so that a study of the potential costs and benefits can be conducted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed the rule in 2016, which would remove bovine spongiform encephalophy-related import restrictions on sheep and goats and most of their products; add import restrictions for certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species; and bring regulations in alignment with guidelines set out in the World Organization for Animal Health’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Senate Considers Establishing More Specific Labels for Beef Products
Senate Bill 3439, the “Bona Fide Beef Branding Act of 2022,” would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to modify labeling requirements for beef and beef food products. The bill would eliminate the more general “Product of the U.S.A.” label to instead “establish, and allow for the voluntary use of” three more specific labels: “Processed in the U.S.A.,” “Raised and Processed in the U.S.A.,” and “Born, Raised, and Processed in the U.S.A.” The latter two labels potentially would enable producers of slaughtered beef products to differentiate them from cultivated beef products. The bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Senate Bill 3439, the “Bona Fide Beef Branding Act of 2022,” would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to modify labeling requirements for beef and beef food products. The bill would eliminate the more general “Product of the U.S.A.” label to instead “establish, and allow for the voluntary use of” three more specific labels: “Processed in the U.S.A.,” “Raised and Processed in the U.S.A.,” and “Born, Raised, and Processed in the U.S.A.” The latter two labels potentially would enable producers of slaughtered beef products to differentiate them from cultivated beef products. The bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Pending State Actions
Bill Would Ban the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals in the State of Washington
Washington House Bill 1615 would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were developed or manufactured using animal testing that was conducted or contracted for by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning January 1, 2023. It has been referred to the Washington House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business.
Washington House Bill 1615 would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were developed or manufactured using animal testing that was conducted or contracted for by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning January 1, 2023. It has been referred to the Washington House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business.
Bill Would Ban the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals in the State of Florida
Florida House Bill 1279, the “Humane Cosmetics Act,” would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were manufactured with animal testing at any stage of development by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning July 1, 2022. It would impose a base penalty of $5,000 per violation and an additional $1,000 penalty for each day that the offending party continues to be in violation. An identical bill, Florida Senate Bill 1718, is pending in the Florida Senate.
Florida House Bill 1279, the “Humane Cosmetics Act,” would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were manufactured with animal testing at any stage of development by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers, beginning July 1, 2022. It would impose a base penalty of $5,000 per violation and an additional $1,000 penalty for each day that the offending party continues to be in violation. An identical bill, Florida Senate Bill 1718, is pending in the Florida Senate.
Bill Would Establish Publicly Available Animal Abuser Registry in Florida
Florida House Bill 1341 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to post a publicly available registry of persons convicted of specified animal abuse crimes on the FDLE website. The bill also would prohibit the transfer of animals to individuals on the registry and impose other limitations on registered offenders’ access to animals. An identical bill, Senate Bill 1806, has been introduced in the Florida Senate.
Florida House Bill 1341 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to post a publicly available registry of persons convicted of specified animal abuse crimes on the FDLE website. The bill also would prohibit the transfer of animals to individuals on the registry and impose other limitations on registered offenders’ access to animals. An identical bill, Senate Bill 1806, has been introduced in the Florida Senate.
Florida Bill Would Require Greater Transparency in Financing Agreements for the Purchase of Companion Animals
Florida Senate Bill 1750 is a consumer protection bill that aims to curtail some of the predatory practices associated with pet dealer financing agreements. It establishes specific procedures for financing agreements for the purchase of companion animals to be legally compliant, including the termination of financing agreements without penalty if the sale of the pet is terminated, disclosure of all available veterinary records to the purchaser, and reimbursement of certain veterinary expenses incurred by the purchaser. Failure to conduct business under the terms of the bill would constitute an unfair or deceptive trade practice and be subject to the relevant penalties under state consumer protection laws.
Florida Senate Bill 1750 is a consumer protection bill that aims to curtail some of the predatory practices associated with pet dealer financing agreements. It establishes specific procedures for financing agreements for the purchase of companion animals to be legally compliant, including the termination of financing agreements without penalty if the sale of the pet is terminated, disclosure of all available veterinary records to the purchaser, and reimbursement of certain veterinary expenses incurred by the purchaser. Failure to conduct business under the terms of the bill would constitute an unfair or deceptive trade practice and be subject to the relevant penalties under state consumer protection laws.
Bills Would Establish Salmon Habitat Restoration Program in Washington State
Washington House Bill 1838, the “Lorraine Loomis Act,” would establish and implement a comprehensive program to protect and restore riparian habitat upon which salmon depend. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. An identical bill, Senate Bill 5727, has been introduced in the Washington Senate and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Parks. An additional bill, House Bill 1869, also has been introduced and would establish a Salmon Recovery Advisory Committee and other requirements for administration of salmon recovery programs in Washington State. House Bill 1869 has been referred to the House Committee on Environment and Energy.
Washington House Bill 1838, the “Lorraine Loomis Act,” would establish and implement a comprehensive program to protect and restore riparian habitat upon which salmon depend. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. An identical bill, Senate Bill 5727, has been introduced in the Washington Senate and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Parks. An additional bill, House Bill 1869, also has been introduced and would establish a Salmon Recovery Advisory Committee and other requirements for administration of salmon recovery programs in Washington State. House Bill 1869 has been referred to the House Committee on Environment and Energy.
Passed Municipal Actions
Indiana Locality Bans Unsecured Transport of Dogs in Trucks
The City of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed Ordinance 30-21, which establishes limitations on how drivers may confine or transport animals in their vehicles. The ordinance prohibits drivers from leaving companion animals in their vehicles in extreme weather conditions that may be detrimental to the animal’s health, and it prohibits drivers from transporting companion animals in the bed of a pick-up truck if the animals are not secured in a crate. The ordinance carries a fine of up to $250 per violation.
The City of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed Ordinance 30-21, which establishes limitations on how drivers may confine or transport animals in their vehicles. The ordinance prohibits drivers from leaving companion animals in their vehicles in extreme weather conditions that may be detrimental to the animal’s health, and it prohibits drivers from transporting companion animals in the bed of a pick-up truck if the animals are not secured in a crate. The ordinance carries a fine of up to $250 per violation.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
Environmental Groups File Suit Challenging Army Corps Shellfish Permit
The Coalition to Protect Puget Sound Habitat and the Center for Food Safety have filed suit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) alleging the agency approved of a nationwide permit allowing for commercial shellfish operations without properly considering aquaculture’s effects on wildlife. The suit claims the agency failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. Plaintiffs are seeking declarative and injunctive relief.
The Coalition to Protect Puget Sound Habitat and the Center for Food Safety have filed suit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) alleging the agency approved of a nationwide permit allowing for commercial shellfish operations without properly considering aquaculture’s effects on wildlife. The suit claims the agency failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. Plaintiffs are seeking declarative and injunctive relief.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Faces Potential Litigation Over Failure to Add Imperiled Snake to the Endangered Species List
The Center for Biological Diversity sent a sixty-day notice letter alerting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of its intent to sue the agency for denying Endangered Species Act protection to Tucson shovel-nose snakes. The agency found that the snake warranted listing status in 2010 but said such protections were precluded by its work to protect other species. In 2014, the agency reversed course and found the snake didn’t warrant protection. In doing so, however, it misinterpreted a genetics study to find the snake had a much larger range than previously thought and therefore didn’t need protection.
The Center for Biological Diversity sent a sixty-day notice letter alerting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of its intent to sue the agency for denying Endangered Species Act protection to Tucson shovel-nose snakes. The agency found that the snake warranted listing status in 2010 but said such protections were precluded by its work to protect other species. In 2014, the agency reversed course and found the snake didn’t warrant protection. In doing so, however, it misinterpreted a genetics study to find the snake had a much larger range than previously thought and therefore didn’t need protection.
Advocacy Organization Sues NIH for Failing to Exercise Proper Oversight of Foreign Labs that Receive American Tax Dollars
The White Coat Waste Project (WCW) sued the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alleging that the NIH is illegally exempting foreign animal laboratories from oversight. Under relevant federal law, any lab that conducts animal experiments using American taxpayer funds via the NIH must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to monitor the treatment of animals. While IACUCs have been widely criticized for failing to sufficiently exercise their responsibilities, WCW argues that NIH has violated the Administrative Procedure Act by not enforcing that requirement for foreign labs that receive NIH funding. Plaintiff is seeking declaratory judgment.
The White Coat Waste Project (WCW) sued the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alleging that the NIH is illegally exempting foreign animal laboratories from oversight. Under relevant federal law, any lab that conducts animal experiments using American taxpayer funds via the NIH must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to monitor the treatment of animals. While IACUCs have been widely criticized for failing to sufficiently exercise their responsibilities, WCW argues that NIH has violated the Administrative Procedure Act by not enforcing that requirement for foreign labs that receive NIH funding. Plaintiff is seeking declaratory judgment.
USDA Settles Lawsuit and Agrees to Publicly Disclose Slaughter Records
The U.S. Department of Agriculture settled a lawsuit brought by the Animal Welfare Institute and Farm Sanctuary to ensure consistent public access to slaughterhouse records and violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. Plaintiffs argued in their complaint that the USDA’s failure to publish such records constituted a violation of the Freedom of Information Act’s proactive disclosure requirements. The settlement was approved by a federal magistrate judge and the terms also require the USDA to pay Plaintiffs’ attorneys fees.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture settled a lawsuit brought by the Animal Welfare Institute and Farm Sanctuary to ensure consistent public access to slaughterhouse records and violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. Plaintiffs argued in their complaint that the USDA’s failure to publish such records constituted a violation of the Freedom of Information Act’s proactive disclosure requirements. The settlement was approved by a federal magistrate judge and the terms also require the USDA to pay Plaintiffs’ attorneys fees.
Conservation Groups Threaten Lawsuit Over U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s Failure to Protect Rare Snake Species
The Center for Biological Diversity, Hoosier Environmental Council, and Prairie Rivers Network sent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) a sixty-day notice of intent to challenge FWS’ 2017 decision to deny the Kirtland’s snake protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Kirtland’s snake, a rare wetlands species, is extinct in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and survives only in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. The advocacy organizations claim that FWS’ denial of protection for the Kirtland’s snake is “arbitrary and unlawful.”
The Center for Biological Diversity, Hoosier Environmental Council, and Prairie Rivers Network sent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) a sixty-day notice of intent to challenge FWS’ 2017 decision to deny the Kirtland’s snake protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Kirtland’s snake, a rare wetlands species, is extinct in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and survives only in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. The advocacy organizations claim that FWS’ denial of protection for the Kirtland’s snake is “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Conservation Group Threatens to Sue EPA Over Pesticide Approval
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a sixty-day notice of intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to challenge the EPA’s approval of more than 300 pyrethroid insecticide products without considering their harm to endangered plants and animals. The pyrethroid class of insecticides is particularly harmful to freshwater wildlife and is lethal to many plant and animal species. CBD argues that the EPA has ignored Endangered Species Act requirements by failing to take any conservation action to protect affected endangered species from the approved pesticides.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a sixty-day notice of intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to challenge the EPA’s approval of more than 300 pyrethroid insecticide products without considering their harm to endangered plants and animals. The pyrethroid class of insecticides is particularly harmful to freshwater wildlife and is lethal to many plant and animal species. CBD argues that the EPA has ignored Endangered Species Act requirements by failing to take any conservation action to protect affected endangered species from the approved pesticides.
State Case Law Updates
Court Halts Development Project in California Wildlife Habitat
A California Superior Court judge ruled that Lake County, Calif. must set aside its approval of an ultra-luxury development in Northern California’s Guenoc Valley because it failed to consider the effect on community safety and wildfire evacuation. The ruling halts the large resort project that would have added thousands of new residents and visitors to the highly fire-prone location. The as-yet undeveloped 16,000-acre site is habitat for several wildlife species including golden eagles, western pond turtles, and foothill yellow frogs, which the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking to add to the Endangered Species List.
A California Superior Court judge ruled that Lake County, Calif. must set aside its approval of an ultra-luxury development in Northern California’s Guenoc Valley because it failed to consider the effect on community safety and wildfire evacuation. The ruling halts the large resort project that would have added thousands of new residents and visitors to the highly fire-prone location. The as-yet undeveloped 16,000-acre site is habitat for several wildlife species including golden eagles, western pond turtles, and foothill yellow frogs, which the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking to add to the Endangered Species List.
Agency Updates
Department of Commerce Adjusts Certain Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation
The Department of Commerce published notice that it is increasing the civil monetary penalties for violations of certain federal laws, including several that are enforced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The affected statutes include the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and numerous other commercial-fishing related statutes. The new civil monetary penalties, adjusted for inflation, will become effective on January 15, 2022. The Department of Commerce is waiving the notice and comment period.
The Department of Commerce published notice that it is increasing the civil monetary penalties for violations of certain federal laws, including several that are enforced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The affected statutes include the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and numerous other commercial-fishing related statutes. The new civil monetary penalties, adjusted for inflation, will become effective on January 15, 2022. The Department of Commerce is waiving the notice and comment period.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Announces Federal Protection for Rare Crayfish
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it is adding the Panama City crayfish to the Endangered Species List. FWS has designated the semi-terrestrial species of crayfish as “threatened” and designated 4,138 acres in Bay County, Florida, as critical habitat. The rule becomes effective February 4, 2022.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it is adding the Panama City crayfish to the Endangered Species List. FWS has designated the semi-terrestrial species of crayfish as “threatened” and designated 4,138 acres in Bay County, Florida, as critical habitat. The rule becomes effective February 4, 2022.
Federal Trade Commission Seeks Public Input on Proposed Horse Racing Regulations
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, established pursuant to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, has proposed a series of regulations that would establish a mandatory national accreditation program for racetracks, mandate comprehensive recordkeeping practices, and impose a ban on pain masking agents and other procedures and methods used to force horses to train or race through injuries. The new regulations, if approved by the FTC, would become effective July 1, 2022. The agency is accepting public comments through January 19, 2022.
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, established pursuant to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, has proposed a series of regulations that would establish a mandatory national accreditation program for racetracks, mandate comprehensive recordkeeping practices, and impose a ban on pain masking agents and other procedures and methods used to force horses to train or race through injuries. The new regulations, if approved by the FTC, would become effective July 1, 2022. The agency is accepting public comments through January 19, 2022.
USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service Announces Beef Recall
The USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service announced the recall of 28,356 pounds of ground beef products due to possible e. Coli contamination. The affected beef was distributed by Clackamas, Oregon-based Interstate Meat Dist., Inc. to numerous retail locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. E. Coli was discovered during testing by a third-party laboratory.
The USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service announced the recall of 28,356 pounds of ground beef products due to possible e. Coli contamination. The affected beef was distributed by Clackamas, Oregon-based Interstate Meat Dist., Inc. to numerous retail locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. E. Coli was discovered during testing by a third-party laboratory.
Air Force Seeks Permit for the Incidental Harassment of Marine Mammals
The U.S. Air Force has applied to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for authorization to incidentally harass sea lions, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and northern elephant seals during weapons testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NMFS is accepting comments from the public through February 7, 2022.
The U.S. Air Force has applied to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for authorization to incidentally harass sea lions, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and northern elephant seals during weapons testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NMFS is accepting comments from the public through February 7, 2022.
Permit Issued for Harassment of Marine Mammals During Offshore Construction Project
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced that the agency issued a permit to South Fork Wind, LLC, authorizing the harassment of gray seals, harbor seals, and thirteen cetacean species during an offshore wind energy construction project off the coasts of New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The permit is valid between November 15, 2022, and November 14, 2023.
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced that the agency issued a permit to South Fork Wind, LLC, authorizing the harassment of gray seals, harbor seals, and thirteen cetacean species during an offshore wind energy construction project off the coasts of New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The permit is valid between November 15, 2022, and November 14, 2023.
National Science Foundation Considers Waste Permit Application for Flight Expedition to Antarctica
The National Science Foundation is considering a permit application submitted by a California resident under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. The applicant seeks the permit for waste management activities associated with his planned polar circumnavigation via aircraft. The public comment period is open through February 7, 2022.
The National Science Foundation is considering a permit application submitted by a California resident under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. The applicant seeks the permit for waste management activities associated with his planned polar circumnavigation via aircraft. The public comment period is open through February 7, 2022.
International Updates
Police Dogs in Germany Temporarily Removed from Duty Due to New Dog Welfare Law
As of January 1, 2022 a series of German animal welfare laws took effect, including a ban on tethering, a ban on the use of spiked or pull collars, a limitation on the number of litters a professional breeder may have at a time, and a requirement that breeders spend at least four hours per day with puppies in their care. The ban on pull collars even applies to dogs who are used by law enforcement. Accordingly, forty-nine Berlin police dogs who are trained to subdue individuals already have been placed on an imposed suspension of duties pending effective alternatives to pull collars.
As of January 1, 2022 a series of German animal welfare laws took effect, including a ban on tethering, a ban on the use of spiked or pull collars, a limitation on the number of litters a professional breeder may have at a time, and a requirement that breeders spend at least four hours per day with puppies in their care. The ban on pull collars even applies to dogs who are used by law enforcement. Accordingly, forty-nine Berlin police dogs who are trained to subdue individuals already have been placed on an imposed suspension of duties pending effective alternatives to pull collars.