Opposition to Senate Farm Bill Section 12508

Sample Letter: Opposition to Senate Farm Bill Section 12508

***Please copy, paste & edit the following letter and send to your U.S. Senators.***

Dear Senator [Last Name],

As your constituent in the State of [State Name] and a purebred conservation dog breeder, I’m contacting you to express my opposition to harmful and overreaching proposals in Senate Farm Bill Section 12508.

This measure gives the Attorney General (DOJ) enforcement authority over the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) even beyond what is currently possessed by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA). The Animal Welfare Act establishes the licensing and regulation of dog breeders under the authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Non-criminal licensing violations fall within the USDA’s jurisdiction, not the Department of Justice (DOJ). Current law and a Memorandum of Understanding between the USDA and DOJ affirm their collaboration in cases involving criminal activity.

Rather, I ask that you support the House Agriculture Committee-passed Farm Bill (HR  8467) with no additional amendments related to dogs and dog breeders. Additionally, I ask you to stay mindful of any proposal intended to regulate high-volume commercial breeders that would extend to our community of purebred conservation dog breeders and disproportionately impact them. The preservation and advancement of our AKC-recognized dog breeds depend on these breeders’ responsible, purposeful efforts.

Sincerely,

[First Name, Last Name]