STOP THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO JOIN DOJ & USDA ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS OVER AWA LICENSEES
Please take action and urge your Federal U.S. Representative and Senators to STOP the Memorandum of Understanding to modify enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act by allowing the Department of Justice to collaborate with USDA to bring civil actions against violators of the Act.
It is imperative to consider the potential negative implications and unintended consequences of such a collaboration.
First, the involvement of the DOJ in enforcing the AWA may lead to an unnecessary escalation of legal action against individuals or entities accused of violating the Act. Civil actions brought by the DOJ could result in significant financial burdens on alleged violators, potentially leading to bankruptcies or closures of businesses, even in cases where violations are minor or unintentional.
This heavy-handed approach could disproportionately impact small businesses, hobbyists, or individuals who may lack the resources to mount a robust legal defense.
Granting the DOJ authority to enforce the AWA alongside the USDA may lead to jurisdictional conflicts and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The USDA already has established procedures and expertise in enforcing the AWA, and adding another agency into the mix could create confusion and duplication of efforts. This could result in delays in addressing animal welfare violations and undermine the effectiveness of enforcement overall.
There are concerns about the potential politicization of animal welfare enforcement if the DOJ becomes involved. The DOJ operates within a broader political context, and its priorities may shift depending on changes in administration or political agendas. This could result in inconsistent enforcement of the AWA, with certain violations receiving disproportionate attention based on political considerations rather than the severity of the offense.
Civil actions brought by the DOJ may not necessarily lead to improved animal welfare outcomes. Instead of focusing on prevention and education, an emphasis on punitive measures through civil litigation may discourage cooperation and dialogue between regulators and animal owners or caregivers.
A more collaborative approach, involving education, outreach, and support for compliance, may ultimately be more effective in improving animal welfare standards across the board.
While the proposed MOU to modify enforcement provisions under the AWA might be well-intentioned, it raises significant concerns about potential negative consequences. Instead of expanding the role of the DOJ in enforcing the AWA, efforts should be focused on strengthening existing enforcement mechanisms within the USDA, promoting collaboration and education, and ensuring that animal welfare enforcement is fair, consistent, and effective.
CLICK BELOW TO SEND YOUR EMAILS TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND U.S. SENATORS TO OPPOSE THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING!
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