| NFSS Members,
TAKE ACTION! Your help is needed to influence new regulations governing the care and treatment of birds!
This may be the most important thing you can ever do for aviculture. Please take the time to
send your comments on both issues to the USDA -- TODAY.
Send to: regulations@aphis.usda.gov
(Your comment must be contained in the body of your message; do not send attached files. Please include your
name and address in your message and "Docket No. 98-106-4'' on the subject line.)
SAMPLE LETTER (You may change to personalize as needed)
I would like to give you my comments concerning docket number 98-106-4 and the Animal Welfare Act.
I am a hobby breeder of small Finches and Softbills and am involved in propagating a few species in an effort to help curtail the capture of wild specimens and importation of some of these beautiful birds. I will be lucky just to cover expenses and any added expenses under the AWA could force me out of raising birds.
The transport of unweaned baby birds has been accomplished by breeders, sellers, and owners for many years with no harm to the birds. The transport of unweaned baby birds must be allowed to continue without restriction.
Any required inspections will have a detrimental effect on my ability to propagate my rare or endangered species because of the possibility that my birds would kill their mates or abandon their nests while being inspected by a stranger. Also, since I work during normal business hours, I would not be able to be present at the times I would be inspected or required to show records to the inspectors.
The quantity of paperwork that is would be required under current AWA regulations is not possible for me to maintain. It would require me to hire someone to keep up with the records alone. This represents and unreasonable burden and I could not afford to keep the birds I now have.
If people like me are forced to quit raising birds, the effect will be felt throughout our nation. The ripple effect of this taking place could cost the U.S. economy millions of dollars and thousands of jobs as a result of greatly reduced demand for the wide variety of bird foods and bird-related equipment. In addition, the increased demand for smuggled birds will increase resulting in greater risk of the introduction of avian diseases such as Exotic Newcastle Disease.
Thank you very much for considering my comments on this very important issue.
Your name
Send to: regulations@aphis.usda.gov
(Your comment must be contained in the body of your message; do not send attached files. Please include your
name and address in your message and "Docket No. 98-106-4" on the subject line.)
|