USDA APHIS Establishes New Process for Inspections Appeals

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) conducts inspections of a wide variety of animal facilities, including dog kennels and breeding facilities as part of its role in enforcing the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

The USDA has recently revised its inspections appeals process to ensure that those who are inspected by the USDA and wish to appeal or inquire about a specific item cited on their inspections report have ample opportunity for their concerns to reviewed and addressed.

The July 2014 Appeals Process Fact Sheet states, “The goal for this new process is threefold: to bring about quicker appeals resolutions; to maintain consistency in the appeals process; and to ensure that subject matter experts are involved in reviewing each appeal.”

Click here to view a copy of the new Fact Sheet. Additional information about the process is available through USDA’s two regional offices:

Eastern Regional Office
USDA Animal Care
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606-5210
Phone: (919) 855-7100
Fax: (919) 855-7125
Email: aceast@aphis.usda.gov

Western Regional Office
USDA Animal Care
2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop #3W11
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
Phone: (970) 494-7478
Fax: (970) 494-7461
Email: acwest@aphis.usda.gov

To learn more about whether you may be subject to USDA dog breeder/dealer licensing requirements, you may also visit AKC’s chart Does the New USDA Rule Affect Me?, AKC’s Regulations Resource page, USDA’s Commercial breeder Fact Sheet, or USDA’s Introductory Course for Commercial Breeders.

Posted by chesliepickett on Jul 15 2014. Filed under Breaking News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.