Senate Bill 2332 and House Bill 4421, the Farm System Reform Act of 2021, would both prohibit the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling on certain animal products. The bill was previously introduced in 2020.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates - Pending Federal Actions
Senate Considers CAFO Moratorium Legislation and Other Farm System Reforms
Congress Considers Grant Program for Schools to Provide Plant-Based Meals
House Bill 4108, the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021, would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot grant program and make “at least 50 grants” to school food authorities to provide “100 percent plant-based food options and 100 percent plant-based milk options.” The grants would be used for training food service personnel, pupil engagement and education, and outreach to producers. Priority for the grants would go to schools that serve a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
House Bill 4108, the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021, would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot grant program and make “at least 50 grants” to school food authorities to provide “100 percent plant-based food options and 100 percent plant-based milk options.” The grants would be used for training food service personnel, pupil engagement and education, and outreach to producers. Priority for the grants would go to schools that serve a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bill Would Revise Dog Importation Standards
House Bill 4239, the Healthy Dog Importation Act, would amend the Animal Health Protection Act to clarify standards for the importation and transfer of live dogs into the United States. The bill would require that a dog be in “good health,” “has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results,” and “officially be identified by a permanent method” (such as a microchip). A certificate “issued by a licensed veterinarian accredited by a competent veterinary authority recognized by the Secretary” would suffice as evidence of the required vaccinations and test results. The bill would provide exemptions to these requirements for dogs imported for research purposes or veterinary treatment.
House Bill 4239, the Healthy Dog Importation Act, would amend the Animal Health Protection Act to clarify standards for the importation and transfer of live dogs into the United States. The bill would require that a dog be in “good health,” “has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results,” and “officially be identified by a permanent method” (such as a microchip). A certificate “issued by a licensed veterinarian accredited by a competent veterinary authority recognized by the Secretary” would suffice as evidence of the required vaccinations and test results. The bill would provide exemptions to these requirements for dogs imported for research purposes or veterinary treatment.
Congress Considers Addressing Seafood Slavery and Illegal Fishing
House Bill 3075, the Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act, would address “seafood slavery and combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing” by expanding the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to apply to all seafood and seafood products imported into the United States. The bill would also require additional data and labeling for such imports, require additional import audits, and require agencies to provide annual reports to Congress. Failure to comply with the standards would result in penalties such as denial of port privileges.
House Bill 3075, the Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act, would address “seafood slavery and combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing” by expanding the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to apply to all seafood and seafood products imported into the United States. The bill would also require additional data and labeling for such imports, require additional import audits, and require agencies to provide annual reports to Congress. Failure to comply with the standards would result in penalties such as denial of port privileges.
Legislation Would Require Further Consideration of Economic Cost in ESA Listing Decisions
House Bill 4370 would allow “cumulative economic effects” to preclude listing of species that are otherwise warranted in response to petitions under the Endangered Species Act. The bill also would remove the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 12-month response requirement and allow the agency to prioritize petitions other than in the order they were received––with the exception that the agency “may not give general priority to petitions to add species to such a list over petitions to remove a species from such a list.”
House Bill 4370 would allow “cumulative economic effects” to preclude listing of species that are otherwise warranted in response to petitions under the Endangered Species Act. The bill also would remove the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 12-month response requirement and allow the agency to prioritize petitions other than in the order they were received––with the exception that the agency “may not give general priority to petitions to add species to such a list over petitions to remove a species from such a list.”
Legislative Updates - Passed State Actions
North Carolina to Establish Permit Scheme for Manure Digester Systems
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed into law Senate Bill 605 which directs the state Environmental Management Commission to develop “a general permit for animal operations that includes authorization for the permittee to construct and operate a farm digester system.” The law will also allow preexisting swine farms to construct or renovate farm digester systems if doing so meets several requirements related to capacity and location. The law additionally addresses the formation of voluntary agricultural districts containing animal agriculture facilities to reduce nuisance liability and the scope of local agricultural advisory boards.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed into law Senate Bill 605 which directs the state Environmental Management Commission to develop “a general permit for animal operations that includes authorization for the permittee to construct and operate a farm digester system.” The law will also allow preexisting swine farms to construct or renovate farm digester systems if doing so meets several requirements related to capacity and location. The law additionally addresses the formation of voluntary agricultural districts containing animal agriculture facilities to reduce nuisance liability and the scope of local agricultural advisory boards.
Illinois Prohibits Providing Financing for Dog and Cat Purchases
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law HB 572 which amends the Sales Finance Agency Act to prohibit providing financing, loans, or retail installment contracts for the purchase of dogs or cats. Any such agreement made in violation of the law shall be null and void and the lender precluded from collecting any further payments. This is the first state law to address these types of predatory lending practices at pet stores.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law HB 572 which amends the Sales Finance Agency Act to prohibit providing financing, loans, or retail installment contracts for the purchase of dogs or cats. Any such agreement made in violation of the law shall be null and void and the lender precluded from collecting any further payments. This is the first state law to address these types of predatory lending practices at pet stores.
Agency Updates
Farm Service Agency Announces Availability of Funds for Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program
The Farm Service Agency has announced the availability of for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program “to provide assistance to producers for losses of livestock and poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020 due to insufficient processing access as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the cost of depopulation and disposal.” The announcement specifies the amount of funding available for the loss of individual animals across several species.
The Farm Service Agency has announced the availability of for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program “to provide assistance to producers for losses of livestock and poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020 due to insufficient processing access as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the cost of depopulation and disposal.” The announcement specifies the amount of funding available for the loss of individual animals across several species.
FWS Proposes Revision to Designated Critical Habitat for Northern Spotted Owl
The Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a revision to the designated critical habitat for the Northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act. The revision would withdraw a January 15, 2021, final rule and reduce the proposed exclusion of designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl in Oregon from approximately 3.4 million acres to approximately 204,797 acres. The agency is accepting comments on the proposal until September 20, 2021.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a revision to the designated critical habitat for the Northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act. The revision would withdraw a January 15, 2021, final rule and reduce the proposed exclusion of designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl in Oregon from approximately 3.4 million acres to approximately 204,797 acres. The agency is accepting comments on the proposal until September 20, 2021.
Academic Updates - Articles
“Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations”
A new study in the journal Appetite by Maya Mathur, Jacob Peacock, David Reichling, Janice Nadler, Paul Bain, Christopher Gardner, and Thomas Robinson, “Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations,” provides a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of strategies to reduce meat consumption.
A new study in the journal Appetite by Maya Mathur, Jacob Peacock, David Reichling, Janice Nadler, Paul Bain, Christopher Gardner, and Thomas Robinson, “Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations,” provides a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of strategies to reduce meat consumption.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Senate Considers CAFO Moratorium Legislation and Other Farm System Reforms
Senate Bill 2332 and House Bill 4421, the Farm System Reform Act of 2021, would both prohibit the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling on certain animal products. The bill was previously introduced in 2020.
Senate Bill 2332 and House Bill 4421, the Farm System Reform Act of 2021, would both prohibit the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling on certain animal products. The bill was previously introduced in 2020.
Congress Considers Grant Program for Schools to Provide Plant-Based Meals
House Bill 4108, the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021, would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot grant program and make “at least 50 grants” to school food authorities to provide “100 percent plant-based food options and 100 percent plant-based milk options.” The grants would be used for training food service personnel, pupil engagement and education, and outreach to producers. Priority for the grants would go to schools that serve a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
House Bill 4108, the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021, would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot grant program and make “at least 50 grants” to school food authorities to provide “100 percent plant-based food options and 100 percent plant-based milk options.” The grants would be used for training food service personnel, pupil engagement and education, and outreach to producers. Priority for the grants would go to schools that serve a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bill Would Revise Dog Importation Standards
House Bill 4239, the Healthy Dog Importation Act, would amend the Animal Health Protection Act to clarify standards for the importation and transfer of live dogs into the United States. The bill would require that a dog be in “good health,” “has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results,” and “officially be identified by a permanent method” (such as a microchip). A certificate “issued by a licensed veterinarian accredited by a competent veterinary authority recognized by the Secretary” would suffice as evidence of the required vaccinations and test results. The bill would provide exemptions to these requirements for dogs imported for research purposes or veterinary treatment.
House Bill 4239, the Healthy Dog Importation Act, would amend the Animal Health Protection Act to clarify standards for the importation and transfer of live dogs into the United States. The bill would require that a dog be in “good health,” “has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results,” and “officially be identified by a permanent method” (such as a microchip). A certificate “issued by a licensed veterinarian accredited by a competent veterinary authority recognized by the Secretary” would suffice as evidence of the required vaccinations and test results. The bill would provide exemptions to these requirements for dogs imported for research purposes or veterinary treatment.
Congress Considers Addressing Seafood Slavery and Illegal Fishing
House Bill 3075, the Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act, would address “seafood slavery and combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing” by expanding the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to apply to all seafood and seafood products imported into the United States. The bill would also require additional data and labeling for such imports, require additional import audits, and require agencies to provide annual reports to Congress. Failure to comply with the standards would result in penalties such as denial of port privileges.
House Bill 3075, the Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act, would address “seafood slavery and combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing” by expanding the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to apply to all seafood and seafood products imported into the United States. The bill would also require additional data and labeling for such imports, require additional import audits, and require agencies to provide annual reports to Congress. Failure to comply with the standards would result in penalties such as denial of port privileges.
Congress Considers Establishing the Western Riverside County Wildlife Refuge
House Bill 972, the Wildlife Refuge Conservation and Recreation for the Community Act, would require the US Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the Western Riverside County Wildlife Refuge in California with the goal of conserving species listed under the Endangered Species Act and providing wildlife habitat migration corridors. The bill would preserve nearly 500,000 acres for 146 species, 33 of which are threatened or endangered, making one of the nation’s largest urban wildlife refuges. The bill was previously introduced in 2019.
House Bill 972, the Wildlife Refuge Conservation and Recreation for the Community Act, would require the US Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the Western Riverside County Wildlife Refuge in California with the goal of conserving species listed under the Endangered Species Act and providing wildlife habitat migration corridors. The bill would preserve nearly 500,000 acres for 146 species, 33 of which are threatened or endangered, making one of the nation’s largest urban wildlife refuges. The bill was previously introduced in 2019.
Legislation Would Exempt Custom Slaughter Facilities from Federal Inspection
House Bill 3835, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, would exempt “custom slaughter facilities” from required federal inspection of the “slaughter of animals and the preparation of the carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products” if the custom facility is in compliance with laws of the state where it is located, and the meat products processed are distributed exclusively within that state. The bill specifically notes that none of its provisions shall be interpreted to preempt any state laws concerning slaughter at custom facilities.
House Bill 3835, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, would exempt “custom slaughter facilities” from required federal inspection of the “slaughter of animals and the preparation of the carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products” if the custom facility is in compliance with laws of the state where it is located, and the meat products processed are distributed exclusively within that state. The bill specifically notes that none of its provisions shall be interpreted to preempt any state laws concerning slaughter at custom facilities.
Bill Seeks to Broaden Access to Outdoor Recreation on Federal Lands
House Bill 3670, the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act, aims to improve access to recreation on federal lands managed by several agencies through the issuance of special recreation permits and revision of fees charged.
House Bill 3670, the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act, aims to improve access to recreation on federal lands managed by several agencies through the issuance of special recreation permits and revision of fees charged.
Legislation Would Require Further Consideration of Economic Cost in ESA Listing Decisions
House Bill 4370 would allow “cumulative economic effects” to preclude listing of species that are otherwise warranted in response to petitions under the Endangered Species Act. The bill also would remove the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 12-month response requirement and allow the agency to prioritize petitions other than in the order they were received––with the exception that the agency “may not give general priority to petitions to add species to such a list over petitions to remove a species from such a list.”
House Bill 4370 would allow “cumulative economic effects” to preclude listing of species that are otherwise warranted in response to petitions under the Endangered Species Act. The bill also would remove the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 12-month response requirement and allow the agency to prioritize petitions other than in the order they were received––with the exception that the agency “may not give general priority to petitions to add species to such a list over petitions to remove a species from such a list.”
Bill Would Provide for Greater County and State Consultation on ESA Petitions
House Bill 4671 has been introduced to “provide for greater county and State consultation with regard to petitions under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.” The full text of the legislation has not yet been released.
House Bill 4671 has been introduced to “provide for greater county and State consultation with regard to petitions under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.” The full text of the legislation has not yet been released.
Passed State Actions
North Carolina to Establish Permit Scheme for Manure Digester Systems
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed into law Senate Bill 605 which directs the state Environmental Management Commission to develop “a general permit for animal operations that includes authorization for the permittee to construct and operate a farm digester system.” The law will also allow preexisting swine farms to construct or renovate farm digester systems if doing so meets several requirements related to capacity and location. The law additionally addresses the formation of voluntary agricultural districts containing animal agriculture facilities to reduce nuisance liability and the scope of local agricultural advisory boards.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed into law Senate Bill 605 which directs the state Environmental Management Commission to develop “a general permit for animal operations that includes authorization for the permittee to construct and operate a farm digester system.” The law will also allow preexisting swine farms to construct or renovate farm digester systems if doing so meets several requirements related to capacity and location. The law additionally addresses the formation of voluntary agricultural districts containing animal agriculture facilities to reduce nuisance liability and the scope of local agricultural advisory boards.
Connecticut Passes Amendments to Animal Welfare and Control Laws
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed into law Public Act No. 21-90 (formerly House Bill 6504) that addresses animal control officer duties and hiring, rabies quarantine periods, animal shelter veterinary care requirements, and limitations on establishing veterinarian-client-patient relationships.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed into law Public Act No. 21-90 (formerly House Bill 6504) that addresses animal control officer duties and hiring, rabies quarantine periods, animal shelter veterinary care requirements, and limitations on establishing veterinarian-client-patient relationships.
Illinois Allows Barring Companion Animal Ownership in Households of Persons Convicted of Multiple Animal Cruelty Offenses
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law HB 168 which provides that a “court may order that a person and persons dwelling in the same household may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of any other animal if the person has been convicted of 2 or more of the following offenses: (1) a violation of aggravated cruelty; (2) a violation of animals for entertainment; or (3) a violation of dog fighting.”
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law HB 168 which provides that a “court may order that a person and persons dwelling in the same household may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of any other animal if the person has been convicted of 2 or more of the following offenses: (1) a violation of aggravated cruelty; (2) a violation of animals for entertainment; or (3) a violation of dog fighting.”
Illinois Prohibits Providing Financing for Dog and Cat Purchases
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law HB 572 which amends the Sales Finance Agency Act to prohibit providing financing, loans, or retail installment contracts for the purchase of dogs or cats. Any such agreement made in violation of the law shall be null and void and the lender precluded from collecting any further payments. This is the first state law to address these types of predatory lending practices at pet stores.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law HB 572 which amends the Sales Finance Agency Act to prohibit providing financing, loans, or retail installment contracts for the purchase of dogs or cats. Any such agreement made in violation of the law shall be null and void and the lender precluded from collecting any further payments. This is the first state law to address these types of predatory lending practices at pet stores.
Pending State Actions
Delaware Legislation Would Require Pet Food Manufacturers Contribute to Spay/Neuter Fund
Delaware House Bill 263 would increase the fee on manufactured cat and dog food to $100 per brand over three years and distribute the earnings from this increase to a state spay and neuter fund.
Delaware House Bill 263 would increase the fee on manufactured cat and dog food to $100 per brand over three years and distribute the earnings from this increase to a state spay and neuter fund.
Michigan Considers Prohibiting Public Research Causing Pain or Distress to Dogs
Michigan House Bill 582 would prohibit individuals employed by, contracted by, or otherwise directed to take action on behalf of a public body from conducting a research or training activity on a dog in a manner that causes pain or distress. The bill also would prohibit such individuals from breeding, purchasing, transporting, housing, feeding, or maintaining a dog for use in a research or training activity that causes pain or distress. The prohibition would not apply when a dog owner consents to the use of his or her dog in veterinary training or veterinary clinical research involving the necessary treatment of an existing disease or ailment, nor to spay/neuter procedures by a veterinarian or animal shelter.
Michigan House Bill 582 would prohibit individuals employed by, contracted by, or otherwise directed to take action on behalf of a public body from conducting a research or training activity on a dog in a manner that causes pain or distress. The bill also would prohibit such individuals from breeding, purchasing, transporting, housing, feeding, or maintaining a dog for use in a research or training activity that causes pain or distress. The prohibition would not apply when a dog owner consents to the use of his or her dog in veterinary training or veterinary clinical research involving the necessary treatment of an existing disease or ailment, nor to spay/neuter procedures by a veterinarian or animal shelter.
New York Bill Would Prohibit Zoos from Drugging Animals for Breeding
New York Assembly Bill 8177 would prohibit zoos from administering psychoactive drugs to an animal in its care in order to allow another animal to procreate with the drugged animal. The bill was introduced in response to reports that a female gorilla named Johari was dosed with Prozac to allow a male gorilla to mate with her.
New York Assembly Bill 8177 would prohibit zoos from administering psychoactive drugs to an animal in its care in order to allow another animal to procreate with the drugged animal. The bill was introduced in response to reports that a female gorilla named Johari was dosed with Prozac to allow a male gorilla to mate with her.
California Legislation Would Expand Emotional Support Dog Restrictions to Other Animals
California Assembly Bill 468 would apply current restrictions on emotional support dogs to all animals. The bill also would update definitions to distinguish emotional support animals from “guide, signal, or service” dogs.
California Assembly Bill 468 would apply current restrictions on emotional support dogs to all animals. The bill also would update definitions to distinguish emotional support animals from “guide, signal, or service” dogs.
New York Bill Would Make Multiple Animal Cruelty Convictions Within Five Years a Felony
New York Senate Bill 7302 would make any subsequent conviction for animal cruelty or failure to provide sustenance to an animal a felony if committed within five years of a previous such conviction. The felony could carry a sentence of imprisonment for up to two years. The bill’s provisions would not apply to animals used in research.
New York Senate Bill 7302 would make any subsequent conviction for animal cruelty or failure to provide sustenance to an animal a felony if committed within five years of a previous such conviction. The felony could carry a sentence of imprisonment for up to two years. The bill’s provisions would not apply to animals used in research.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
CBD Challenges Failure of FWS to Designate Critical Habitat for Nine Species of Animals in Micronesia
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit challenging the failure of the Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act for the Pacific sheath-tailed bat, Slevin’s skink, Mariana eight-spot butterfly, Mariana wandering butterfly, Rota blue damselfly, humped tree snail, Langford’s tree snail, Guam tree snail, and fragile tree snail in Micronesia.
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit challenging the failure of the Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act for the Pacific sheath-tailed bat, Slevin’s skink, Mariana eight-spot butterfly, Mariana wandering butterfly, Rota blue damselfly, humped tree snail, Langford’s tree snail, Guam tree snail, and fragile tree snail in Micronesia.
Groups File Suit Challenging NMFS’ Approval of Seismic Airgun Surveys
The National Resources Defense Council, American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the Center for Biological Diversity, Healthy Gulf, and Surfrider Foundation have filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service’s approval of seismic airgun surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Administrative Procedure Act.
The National Resources Defense Council, American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the Center for Biological Diversity, Healthy Gulf, and Surfrider Foundation have filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service’s approval of seismic airgun surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Administrative Procedure Act.
Agency Updates
Farm Service Agency Announces Availability of Funds for Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program
The Farm Service Agency has announced the availability of for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program “to provide assistance to producers for losses of livestock and poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020 due to insufficient processing access as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the cost of depopulation and disposal.” The announcement specifies the amount of funding available for the loss of individual animals across several species.
The Farm Service Agency has announced the availability of for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program “to provide assistance to producers for losses of livestock and poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020 due to insufficient processing access as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the cost of depopulation and disposal.” The announcement specifies the amount of funding available for the loss of individual animals across several species.
FSIS Responds to OIG Recommendations Regarding Pig Slaughter Proposed Rule
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has responded to two recommendations from the Office of Inspector General regarding the agency’s rulemaking process for the “Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection” proposed rule.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has responded to two recommendations from the Office of Inspector General regarding the agency’s rulemaking process for the “Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection” proposed rule.
FWS Proposes Revision to Designated Critical Habitat for Northern Spotted Owl
The Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a revision to the designated critical habitat for the Northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act. The revision would withdraw a January 15, 2021, final rule and reduce the proposed exclusion of designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl in Oregon from approximately 3.4 million acres to approximately 204,797 acres. The agency is accepting comments on the proposal until September 20, 2021.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a revision to the designated critical habitat for the Northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act. The revision would withdraw a January 15, 2021, final rule and reduce the proposed exclusion of designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl in Oregon from approximately 3.4 million acres to approximately 204,797 acres. The agency is accepting comments on the proposal until September 20, 2021.
FWS Announces Availability of Economic Analysis Documents for Proposed Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds
The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced “the opportunity to review and comment on two economic analysis documents prepared during the development of the proposed rule to revoke the January 7, 2021, rule governing the prohibitions on incidental take under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.” The agency is accepting comments until August 19, 2021.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced “the opportunity to review and comment on two economic analysis documents prepared during the development of the proposed rule to revoke the January 7, 2021, rule governing the prohibitions on incidental take under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.” The agency is accepting comments until August 19, 2021.
FWS Issues Final Rule Revising Jaguar Critical Habitat
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule revising the critical habitat of the jaguar in compliance with a court order. The final rule would remove approximately 110,438 acres land in New Mexico from the designation of critical habitat for the jaguar.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule revising the critical habitat of the jaguar in compliance with a court order. The final rule would remove approximately 110,438 acres land in New Mexico from the designation of critical habitat for the jaguar.
Academic Updates
Articles
“Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations”
A new study in the journal Appetite by Maya Mathur, Jacob Peacock, David Reichling, Janice Nadler, Paul Bain, Christopher Gardner, and Thomas Robinson, “Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations,” provides a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of strategies to reduce meat consumption.
A new study in the journal Appetite by Maya Mathur, Jacob Peacock, David Reichling, Janice Nadler, Paul Bain, Christopher Gardner, and Thomas Robinson, “Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations,” provides a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of strategies to reduce meat consumption.