California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law Assembly Bill 468, which imposes strict requirements for emotional support animals. Among the law’s provisions are penalties for individuals who sell dogs as emotional support animals without providing documentation stating the animals are not entitled to the same accommodations as guide, signal, or service animals, and imposing restrictions on healthcare professionals regarding the lawful issuance of emotional support dog documentation. Violations of the statute are subject to civil penalties ranging from $500 - $2,500.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates - Passed State Actions
California Takes Action to Combat Emotional Support Animal Fraud
Case Law Updates - Federal Case Law Updates
Class Action Challenges MorningStar “Veggie” Product Labeling
A putative consumer class action has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that Kellogg Sales Company’s advertisement of its MorningStar brand “Veggie” products (including “Veggie Burgers” and “Veggie Dogs”) violates numerous California consumer protection laws. Plaintiffs allege that the “Veggie” labeling is false or misleading because it suggests that vegetables are the primary ingredients in such products when they instead are predominantly comprised of grain and oil. Plaintiffs are seeking a recall of Kellogg’s MorningStar products labeled in this manner, a corrective advertising campaign, disgorgement, and restitution.
A putative consumer class action has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that Kellogg Sales Company’s advertisement of its MorningStar brand “Veggie” products (including “Veggie Burgers” and “Veggie Dogs”) violates numerous California consumer protection laws. Plaintiffs allege that the “Veggie” labeling is false or misleading because it suggests that vegetables are the primary ingredients in such products when they instead are predominantly comprised of grain and oil. Plaintiffs are seeking a recall of Kellogg’s MorningStar products labeled in this manner, a corrective advertising campaign, disgorgement, and restitution.
PETA Sues NIH to Stop Sepsis Experiments on Animals
PETA has filed suit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH Director Francis Collins, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra alleging that the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it continued to fund sepsis experiments on animals despite NIH’s acknowledgement that mice are not a suitable substitute for humans in these experiments. The complaint states that the NIH has spent “more than $20 million for new [animal-sepsis] projects in the past twenty months and at least $10 million for new projects in fiscal year 2021.” PETA argues this funding is a waste of taxpayer money and violates NIH’s obligation to fund research to improve human health and minimize the number of animals used in research.
PETA has filed suit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH Director Francis Collins, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra alleging that the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it continued to fund sepsis experiments on animals despite NIH’s acknowledgement that mice are not a suitable substitute for humans in these experiments. The complaint states that the NIH has spent “more than $20 million for new [animal-sepsis] projects in the past twenty months and at least $10 million for new projects in fiscal year 2021.” PETA argues this funding is a waste of taxpayer money and violates NIH’s obligation to fund research to improve human health and minimize the number of animals used in research.
Case Law Updates - State Case Law Updates
Pennsylvania High Court Allows Witness Comfort Dogs in Courtrooms
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has decided in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Purnell that judges have the discretion to permit a witness to testify with the assistance of a comfort dog. The opinion held that “In exercising that discretion, courts should balance the degree to which the accommodation will assist the witness in testifying in a truthful manner against any possible prejudice to the defendant’s right to a fair trial and employ means to mitigate any such prejudice.” The court adopted a balancing test for judges to ask “will it help?” not “is it necessary?” In the instant case, the court specifically ruled that the presence of a comfort dog with a testifying child who allegedly had witnessed the defendant commit murder was not inherently prejudicial and was not grounds for the conviction to be overturned.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has decided in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Purnell that judges have the discretion to permit a witness to testify with the assistance of a comfort dog. The opinion held that “In exercising that discretion, courts should balance the degree to which the accommodation will assist the witness in testifying in a truthful manner against any possible prejudice to the defendant’s right to a fair trial and employ means to mitigate any such prejudice.” The court adopted a balancing test for judges to ask “will it help?” not “is it necessary?” In the instant case, the court specifically ruled that the presence of a comfort dog with a testifying child who allegedly had witnessed the defendant commit murder was not inherently prejudicial and was not grounds for the conviction to be overturned.
Agency Updates
USDA Eliminates Voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for Pork Producers
Effective October 25, 2021, the USDA is eliminating the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Voluntary Trichinae Certification Program and the associated agency regulations due to low participation. The USDA established the voluntary certification program in 2008 in order to offer certification to pork producers who met specific management criteria for the reduction or elimination of swine exposure to Trichinella (round worms). The program currently has only two participants.
Effective October 25, 2021, the USDA is eliminating the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Voluntary Trichinae Certification Program and the associated agency regulations due to low participation. The USDA established the voluntary certification program in 2008 in order to offer certification to pork producers who met specific management criteria for the reduction or elimination of swine exposure to Trichinella (round worms). The program currently has only two participants.
International Updates
Colombia Considers Nationwide Paid Leave for Companion Animal Bereavement
A bill has been filed that would make Colombia the first country to include paid leave for companion animal bereavement in nationwide labor laws. Colombians currently are entitled to five days of paid leave following the death of a direct human family member, and the new bill would add two days of paid leave to mourn the death of a companion animal. The bill must pass four debates between the Colombia House of Representatives and the Senate in order to become law.
A bill has been filed that would make Colombia the first country to include paid leave for companion animal bereavement in nationwide labor laws. Colombians currently are entitled to five days of paid leave following the death of a direct human family member, and the new bill would add two days of paid leave to mourn the death of a companion animal. The bill must pass four debates between the Colombia House of Representatives and the Senate in order to become law.
Legislative Updates
Passed State Actions
Delaware Clarifies Cruelty Code
Delaware Governor John Carney has signed into law Delaware Senate Bill 179, which rectifies redundancies in Senate Bill 139, enacted in March 2020 to amend the state’s cruelty code by prohibiting leaving dogs outside unattended for more than fifteen minutes in inclement weather, limiting tethering to a maximum of two hours, banning wire flooring in housing for dogs, and prohibiting allowing dogs to run at large except in rare instances such as at designated dog parks, while hunting, or on a farm.
Delaware Governor John Carney has signed into law Delaware Senate Bill 179, which rectifies redundancies in Senate Bill 139, enacted in March 2020 to amend the state’s cruelty code by prohibiting leaving dogs outside unattended for more than fifteen minutes in inclement weather, limiting tethering to a maximum of two hours, banning wire flooring in housing for dogs, and prohibiting allowing dogs to run at large except in rare instances such as at designated dog parks, while hunting, or on a farm.
California Takes Action to Combat Emotional Support Animal Fraud
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law Assembly Bill 468, which imposes strict requirements for emotional support animals. Among the law’s provisions are penalties for individuals who sell dogs as emotional support animals without providing documentation stating the animals are not entitled to the same accommodations as guide, signal, or service animals, and imposing restrictions on healthcare professionals regarding the lawful issuance of emotional support dog documentation. Violations of the statute are subject to civil penalties ranging from $500 - $2,500.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law Assembly Bill 468, which imposes strict requirements for emotional support animals. Among the law’s provisions are penalties for individuals who sell dogs as emotional support animals without providing documentation stating the animals are not entitled to the same accommodations as guide, signal, or service animals, and imposing restrictions on healthcare professionals regarding the lawful issuance of emotional support dog documentation. Violations of the statute are subject to civil penalties ranging from $500 - $2,500.
Pending State Actions
Florida Considers Revising Definition of Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty
Florida Senate Bill 256 would reorder the elements necessary for a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. This bill is being considered concurrently with House Bill 121, introduced last week, which elevates crimes against animals perpetrated in the home or in the course of another felony to the level of aggravated animal cruelty.
Florida Senate Bill 256 would reorder the elements necessary for a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. This bill is being considered concurrently with House Bill 121, introduced last week, which elevates crimes against animals perpetrated in the home or in the course of another felony to the level of aggravated animal cruelty.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
Class Action Challenges MorningStar “Veggie” Product Labeling
A putative consumer class action has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that Kellogg Sales Company’s advertisement of its MorningStar brand “Veggie” products (including “Veggie Burgers” and “Veggie Dogs”) violates numerous California consumer protection laws. Plaintiffs allege that the “Veggie” labeling is false or misleading because it suggests that vegetables are the primary ingredients in such products when they instead are predominantly comprised of grain and oil. Plaintiffs are seeking a recall of Kellogg’s MorningStar products labeled in this manner, a corrective advertising campaign, disgorgement, and restitution.
A putative consumer class action has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that Kellogg Sales Company’s advertisement of its MorningStar brand “Veggie” products (including “Veggie Burgers” and “Veggie Dogs”) violates numerous California consumer protection laws. Plaintiffs allege that the “Veggie” labeling is false or misleading because it suggests that vegetables are the primary ingredients in such products when they instead are predominantly comprised of grain and oil. Plaintiffs are seeking a recall of Kellogg’s MorningStar products labeled in this manner, a corrective advertising campaign, disgorgement, and restitution.
PETA Sues NIH to Stop Sepsis Experiments on Animals
PETA has filed suit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH Director Francis Collins, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra alleging that the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it continued to fund sepsis experiments on animals despite NIH’s acknowledgement that mice are not a suitable substitute for humans in these experiments. The complaint states that the NIH has spent “more than $20 million for new [animal-sepsis] projects in the past twenty months and at least $10 million for new projects in fiscal year 2021.” PETA argues this funding is a waste of taxpayer money and violates NIH’s obligation to fund research to improve human health and minimize the number of animals used in research.
PETA has filed suit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH Director Francis Collins, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra alleging that the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it continued to fund sepsis experiments on animals despite NIH’s acknowledgement that mice are not a suitable substitute for humans in these experiments. The complaint states that the NIH has spent “more than $20 million for new [animal-sepsis] projects in the past twenty months and at least $10 million for new projects in fiscal year 2021.” PETA argues this funding is a waste of taxpayer money and violates NIH’s obligation to fund research to improve human health and minimize the number of animals used in research.
State Case Law Updates
Pennsylvania High Court Allows Witness Comfort Dogs in Courtrooms
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has decided in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Purnell that judges have the discretion to permit a witness to testify with the assistance of a comfort dog. The opinion held that “In exercising that discretion, courts should balance the degree to which the accommodation will assist the witness in testifying in a truthful manner against any possible prejudice to the defendant’s right to a fair trial and employ means to mitigate any such prejudice.” The court adopted a balancing test for judges to ask “will it help?” not “is it necessary?” In the instant case, the court specifically ruled that the presence of a comfort dog with a testifying child who allegedly had witnessed the defendant commit murder was not inherently prejudicial and was not grounds for the conviction to be overturned.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has decided in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Purnell that judges have the discretion to permit a witness to testify with the assistance of a comfort dog. The opinion held that “In exercising that discretion, courts should balance the degree to which the accommodation will assist the witness in testifying in a truthful manner against any possible prejudice to the defendant’s right to a fair trial and employ means to mitigate any such prejudice.” The court adopted a balancing test for judges to ask “will it help?” not “is it necessary?” In the instant case, the court specifically ruled that the presence of a comfort dog with a testifying child who allegedly had witnessed the defendant commit murder was not inherently prejudicial and was not grounds for the conviction to be overturned.
Agency Updates
NMFS Announces Temporary Prohibition on Snapper Fishing
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a temporary prohibition on fishing several species of snapper (silk snapper, queen snapper, blackfin snapper, and wenchman) in the Gulf of Mexico commercial fishing zone because the annual catch limit already has been exceeded. The temporary prohibition is effective September 18, 2021, through December 31, 2021, and the agency waived notice and comment due to the urgency of the situation.
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a temporary prohibition on fishing several species of snapper (silk snapper, queen snapper, blackfin snapper, and wenchman) in the Gulf of Mexico commercial fishing zone because the annual catch limit already has been exceeded. The temporary prohibition is effective September 18, 2021, through December 31, 2021, and the agency waived notice and comment due to the urgency of the situation.
NMFS Announces Temporary Prohibition on Recreational Golden Tilefish Fishing
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a temporary prohibition on recreational fishing of golden tilefish in the South Atlantic recreational sector because the recreational annual catch limit already has been met. The temporary prohibition is effective September 20, 2021, through December 31, 2021, and the agency waived notice and comment due to the urgency of the situation.
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a temporary prohibition on recreational fishing of golden tilefish in the South Atlantic recreational sector because the recreational annual catch limit already has been met. The temporary prohibition is effective September 20, 2021, through December 31, 2021, and the agency waived notice and comment due to the urgency of the situation.
NMFS Seeks Input from Sea Vessels about Compliance with Regulations for Protection of Right Whales
The National Marine Fisheries Service has reopened the comment period for public input on the proposed collection of information from pleasure yachts and large ocean going vessels in two areas of the North Atlantic right whale range. NMFS proposes to utilize voluntary surveys and focus groups in order to improve compliance with voluntary and mandatory measures, including speed limits, to lessen whale strikes. The agency will accept comments for an additional 30 days from the September 21, 2021 publication of the notice.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has reopened the comment period for public input on the proposed collection of information from pleasure yachts and large ocean going vessels in two areas of the North Atlantic right whale range. NMFS proposes to utilize voluntary surveys and focus groups in order to improve compliance with voluntary and mandatory measures, including speed limits, to lessen whale strikes. The agency will accept comments for an additional 30 days from the September 21, 2021 publication of the notice.
NMFS Announces Six-Month Closure of Sea Scallop Fishery Area
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced a prohibition on possession or fishing of sea scallops in the Closed Area I Scallop Access Area from September 17, 2021, through March 31, 2022, due to quotas that already have been met. The action was taken to comply with the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The agency waived public notice and comment, finding that delaying immediate action would be contrary to the public interest.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced a prohibition on possession or fishing of sea scallops in the Closed Area I Scallop Access Area from September 17, 2021, through March 31, 2022, due to quotas that already have been met. The action was taken to comply with the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The agency waived public notice and comment, finding that delaying immediate action would be contrary to the public interest.
USDA Announces New FSIS Inspection Guidance
The USDA has announced changes to inspection requirements for “kit products,” or multi-component packaged meals that contain separately-wrapped meat or other animal products. FSIS no longer will be conducting mandatory inspection of kit product assembly provided that the included meat products already have been inspected and the manufacturer meets specified labeling requirements.
The USDA has announced changes to inspection requirements for “kit products,” or multi-component packaged meals that contain separately-wrapped meat or other animal products. FSIS no longer will be conducting mandatory inspection of kit product assembly provided that the included meat products already have been inspected and the manufacturer meets specified labeling requirements.
NMFS Prohibits Pacific Cod Fishing Through the End of the Year
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced an immediate prohibition on directed fishing of Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area through December 31, 2021, due to a September 15, 2021, finding that the 99,462 metric ton quota already has been met for the year. The prohibition does not apply to Pacific cod fishing that falls within the Community Development Quota program (CDQ). The agency waived the public comment period due to exigent circumstances.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced an immediate prohibition on directed fishing of Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area through December 31, 2021, due to a September 15, 2021, finding that the 99,462 metric ton quota already has been met for the year. The prohibition does not apply to Pacific cod fishing that falls within the Community Development Quota program (CDQ). The agency waived the public comment period due to exigent circumstances.
FDA Proposes Procedures to Govern Import Tolerances of Animal Drugs in Food
The Food & Drug Administration has announced a final rule codifying procedures and food safety criteria for the establishment, amendment, or revocation of tolerances for residues of unapproved new animal drugs in animals who are imported for human consumption. These import tolerances provide a basis for the legal marketing of animal-derived food and would become effective January 19, 2022. The FDA is accepting comments regarding information collection issues through October 21, 2021.
The Food & Drug Administration has announced a final rule codifying procedures and food safety criteria for the establishment, amendment, or revocation of tolerances for residues of unapproved new animal drugs in animals who are imported for human consumption. These import tolerances provide a basis for the legal marketing of animal-derived food and would become effective January 19, 2022. The FDA is accepting comments regarding information collection issues through October 21, 2021.
NMFS Authorizes Harassment of Harbor Seals During Tidal Marsh Restoration
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the issuance of a Marine Mammal Protection Act Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife to harass (but not harm) harbor seals during the course of the state agency’s completion of a 122-acre restoration project in the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Marsh in Monterey County. The IHA is effective from September 16, 2021, through September 15, 2022.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the issuance of a Marine Mammal Protection Act Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife to harass (but not harm) harbor seals during the course of the state agency’s completion of a 122-acre restoration project in the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Marsh in Monterey County. The IHA is effective from September 16, 2021, through September 15, 2022.
NMFS Authorizes Incidental Take of Cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Andarko Petroleum Company for the incidental harassment of killer whales and other cetaceans during the company’s geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico from September 18, 2021, through March 17, 2022. Pursuant to existing Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations, issuance of an LOA is only permissible when the number of affected animals is “small,” which the agency interprets to mean less than one third of the best available population abundance estimate in the area.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Andarko Petroleum Company for the incidental harassment of killer whales and other cetaceans during the company’s geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico from September 18, 2021, through March 17, 2022. Pursuant to existing Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations, issuance of an LOA is only permissible when the number of affected animals is “small,” which the agency interprets to mean less than one third of the best available population abundance estimate in the area.
NMFS Seeks to Extend Collection Period for Conservation Plans
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing an extension of the information collection relating to conservation plans––which NMFS believes are helpful to coordinated conservation efforts that protect species from being added to the Endangered Species List. The public comment period on the proposed extension of the information collection is open through November 22, 2021.
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing an extension of the information collection relating to conservation plans––which NMFS believes are helpful to coordinated conservation efforts that protect species from being added to the Endangered Species List. The public comment period on the proposed extension of the information collection is open through November 22, 2021.
NMFS Will Not Increase Turtle Bycatch Monitoring in 2022
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced that, due to a lack of resources, the agency will not increase monitoring of sea turtle bycatch in 2022. NMFS annually identifies fisheries that it observes (by placing observers on relevant fishing vessels) in order to monitor and mitigate sea turtle bycatch––which is the primary source of human-caused sea turtle injury and mortality in the United States. All sea turtle species are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Each fishery is placed on a five-year surveillance list; and for calendar year 2022, NMFS will observe six fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, Southeastern Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay, and Long Island.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced that, due to a lack of resources, the agency will not increase monitoring of sea turtle bycatch in 2022. NMFS annually identifies fisheries that it observes (by placing observers on relevant fishing vessels) in order to monitor and mitigate sea turtle bycatch––which is the primary source of human-caused sea turtle injury and mortality in the United States. All sea turtle species are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Each fishery is placed on a five-year surveillance list; and for calendar year 2022, NMFS will observe six fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, Southeastern Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay, and Long Island.
FDA Announces Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practices for Animal Cells, Tissues, and Cell- and Tissue-Based Products
The Food & Drug Administration is seeking public comments on its Center for Veterinary Medicine’s draft guidance entitled “Good Manufacturing Practices for Animal Cells, Tissues, and Cell- and Tissue-Based Products.” That guidance seeks to ensure that the manufacture of such products meeting the definition of new animal drugs complies with the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act. The guidance, specifically concerns product identification, safety, strength, purity, and quality. The comment period is open through November 22, 2021.
The Food & Drug Administration is seeking public comments on its Center for Veterinary Medicine’s draft guidance entitled “Good Manufacturing Practices for Animal Cells, Tissues, and Cell- and Tissue-Based Products.” That guidance seeks to ensure that the manufacture of such products meeting the definition of new animal drugs complies with the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act. The guidance, specifically concerns product identification, safety, strength, purity, and quality. The comment period is open through November 22, 2021.
NMFS Announces Immediate One-Week Prohibition on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishing
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced an emergency temporary rule prohibiting fishing of “large medium and giant”Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches or longer from September 23, 2021, through September 30, 2021. The agency found sufficient cause to waive notice and comment due to over harvesting of bluefin tuna in September.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced an emergency temporary rule prohibiting fishing of “large medium and giant”Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches or longer from September 23, 2021, through September 30, 2021. The agency found sufficient cause to waive notice and comment due to over harvesting of bluefin tuna in September.
NMFS Announces Bluefin Tuna Quota Transfers
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the transfer of 20,000 pounds of the commercial bluefin tuna quota from Virginia to New York and the transfer of 40,000 pounds of New Jersey’s commercial bluefin tuna quota to North Carolina. The transfers are effective between September 23, 2021, and December 31, 2021, to ensure that New York and North Carolina do not exceed their annual bluefin tuna fishing quota. The commercial bluefin tuna fishing quota is apportioned among all of the coastal states from Maine to Florida, and individual state quotas are transferable.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the transfer of 20,000 pounds of the commercial bluefin tuna quota from Virginia to New York and the transfer of 40,000 pounds of New Jersey’s commercial bluefin tuna quota to North Carolina. The transfers are effective between September 23, 2021, and December 31, 2021, to ensure that New York and North Carolina do not exceed their annual bluefin tuna fishing quota. The commercial bluefin tuna fishing quota is apportioned among all of the coastal states from Maine to Florida, and individual state quotas are transferable.
NMFS Temporarily Increases Commercial Scup Fishing Quota
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the rollover of unused portions of the Winter I (January 1, 2021–April 30, 2021) commercial scup quota to the Winter II (October 1, 2021–December 31, 2021) commercial scup quota, thereby temporarily increasing the per-trip possession limit. The action was taken to comply with the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. The agency waived notice and comment.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the rollover of unused portions of the Winter I (January 1, 2021–April 30, 2021) commercial scup quota to the Winter II (October 1, 2021–December 31, 2021) commercial scup quota, thereby temporarily increasing the per-trip possession limit. The action was taken to comply with the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. The agency waived notice and comment.
FWS Seeks Comments on Incidental Take Permit
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on Thurston County, Washington’s application for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for certain species of gophers, frogs, butterflies, and sparrows who may be negatively impacted by proposed county development projects over the next 30 years. FWS will accept comments on the ITP, associated habitat conservation plan, and environmental impact statement through November 8, 2021.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on Thurston County, Washington’s application for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for certain species of gophers, frogs, butterflies, and sparrows who may be negatively impacted by proposed county development projects over the next 30 years. FWS will accept comments on the ITP, associated habitat conservation plan, and environmental impact statement through November 8, 2021.
USDA Eliminates Voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for Pork Producers
Effective October 25, 2021, the USDA is eliminating the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Voluntary Trichinae Certification Program and the associated agency regulations due to low participation. The USDA established the voluntary certification program in 2008 in order to offer certification to pork producers who met specific management criteria for the reduction or elimination of swine exposure to Trichinella (round worms). The program currently has only two participants.
Effective October 25, 2021, the USDA is eliminating the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Voluntary Trichinae Certification Program and the associated agency regulations due to low participation. The USDA established the voluntary certification program in 2008 in order to offer certification to pork producers who met specific management criteria for the reduction or elimination of swine exposure to Trichinella (round worms). The program currently has only two participants.
International Updates
Colombia Considers Nationwide Paid Leave for Companion Animal Bereavement
A bill has been filed that would make Colombia the first country to include paid leave for companion animal bereavement in nationwide labor laws. Colombians currently are entitled to five days of paid leave following the death of a direct human family member, and the new bill would add two days of paid leave to mourn the death of a companion animal. The bill must pass four debates between the Colombia House of Representatives and the Senate in order to become law.
A bill has been filed that would make Colombia the first country to include paid leave for companion animal bereavement in nationwide labor laws. Colombians currently are entitled to five days of paid leave following the death of a direct human family member, and the new bill would add two days of paid leave to mourn the death of a companion animal. The bill must pass four debates between the Colombia House of Representatives and the Senate in order to become law.