Press Release
January 11, 2007
Contact:
Judith McGeary, 512-243-9404 - judith@farmandranchfreedom.org
Karin Bergener, 330-298-0065 -
bergener@config.com
Liberty Ark Alert - Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is proposing new regulations to make NAIS mandatory.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has proposed regulations that would make the premises registration and animal identification portions of NAIS mandatory, and require a certificate of veterinary inspection for sales, shows, and many routine movements! The proposed regulations would also allow the State Veterinarian to enter any farm or "any other place where animals are handled" to inspect and test, without a warrant. Kentucky residents need to act NOW!
There will be a public hearing on January 23, 2007, starting at 10:15, at the Kentucky Dept of Agriculture, Office of State Veterinarian, 100 Fair Oaks Lane, STE 252, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Anyone who wants to speak at this hearing must notify the agency in writing by January 16, 2007, of their intent to attend. Written comments will be accepted until January 31, 2007. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed regulations to:
Robert Stout or Sue Billings
Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Office of State Veterinarian
100 Fair Oaks Lane, STE 252
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone: 502-564-3956
Fax: 502-564-7852
Here are links to the proposed regulations:
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/302/020/020reg.htm
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/302/020/030reg.htm
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/302/020/065reg.htm
At the end of this action alert are talking points for speaking at the hearing, or you can use them to develop your written comments. Focus on the issues that are most important to you and personalize your comments. It is also very important to send a copy of any letters to your elected officials. Find your legislator.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, you can reach us by email. For local contacts in Kentucky to organize the opposition to these regulations, contact: Laura or Matt.
GET YOUR FRIENDS TO SIGN UP TO SUPPORT LIBERTY ARK'S FIGHT AGAINST NAIS. SEND THEM THIS LINK
Talking Points on the proposed 302 KAR 20:020 and 20:065:
- The USDA has announced that the National Animal Identification System is voluntary at the federal level. There is no reason for Kentucky to move forward with the program on a mandatory basis, as is being proposed.
- The proposed regulation states that "a CVI or appropriate permit shall be required for movement or exhibition of all animal(s). Exceptions to this requirement are in each species section." Proposed regulation 302 KAR 20:065 contains very few exceptions, and requires veterinary inspection for a wide range of routine, intrastate movements, including private sales and shows.
- Requiring veterinary inspections for routine movements and private sales imposes significant monetary and time burdens.
- There have been no scientific studies conducted to show that premises registration or this type of animal identification and tracking will provide significant animal health benefits
- The Department has not done an analysis of the costs of this program
- The costs, both in time and money, will be high.
- The intrusive, burdensome, and costly nature of these regulations will drive many small farmers out of business and discourage people from owning animals as pets. Livestock-related businesses, such as feed and supply stores, will suffer, and the economic effects will be widespread.
- The proposed regulations are vague and unclear. As just one example, when is individual identification required as opposed to group/lot identification?
- The proposed regulation provides that "All animals requiring AIN shall meet the specifications of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) on or before January 1, 2009." Yet no regulations have been promulgated under the NAIS, and the USDA has indicated that it has no intention of promulgating regulations at this time. What specifications must be met?
Talking points on the proposed 302 KAR 20:030
- The proposed regulation would give the State Veterinarian the authority to enter "any farm" or "any other place where animals are handled" after simply notice, without a warrant, reasonable cause, or any protection for the person's property or privacy rights.
- There is no evidence that such measures are needed to control animal disease in Kentucky.