Target: Brooke Rollins, Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Goal: Confront and mitigate epidemic of backyard breeding that inflicts irreparable harm on defenseless animals.
Following an anonymous tip in Kentucky, nearly 40 dogs were rescued from a residence in which they were allegedly isolated, covered in feces, and tied to trees. Similar horrific conditions were reported at a Florida property where 16 dogs were seized. In that case, the animals were also allegedly subjected to so-called rape stands: instruments used for forcible breeding.
All of these animals belonged to individuals who faced animal cruelty charges and allegations of backyard breeding. Such horrific breeding practices are so dangerous because they face no regulation. Animals – usually dogs – are kept in unsuitable habitats and typically undergo no health screenings. The lack of expertise, absence of licensure or certification, and profit-driven nature of backyard breeders means that welfare comes last.
Unfortunately, legal repercussions for these practices are scant or nonexistent in many parts of the country. Sign the petition below to demand a sea change in national standards.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Rollins,
Licensed and certified breeding helps ensure that animals are bred in safe and healthy environments. A lack of these standards leads to tragedies including a Florida case where over a dozen dogs were allegedly forcibly bred on “rape stands” and a Kentucky case in which three dozen dogs were rescued from reportedly horrific backyard breeding conditions, with justice apparently long delayed in this case. Advocates nationwide have decried the lightweight legal approach taken to such instances of presumed cruelty, from small fines to outright absence of any kind of prosecution or punishment.
Take decisive steps to investigate backyard breeding cases and to advocate for stronger and clearer guidelines relating to these cruelties under the Animal Welfare Act and other laws. As the gatekeeper of animal welfare in America, this department can and should take decisive action to set a standard and a template that protects these vulnerable animals from unchecked exploitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ömer Derinyar
