Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2023 Impact Report. The report provides an overview of APHIS’ activities and successes.
APHIS oversees over 16,000 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). 2022 highlights include:
- Conducting over 10,000 site inspections—including more than 9,000 unannounced inspections at research facilities—to assess the health, care, and treatment of more than 1 million animals and found 92% of licensees and registrants in substantial compliance with the AWA.
- Issued 2,706 import permits covering 7,000 dogs for resale in the United States, ensuring they are healthy, vaccinated, and over six months of age.
- Took civil and administrative action to address alleged AWA violations, including opening 262 cases, issuing 214 official warnings, obtaining 19 administrative orders, and permanently revoking 16 other licenses to support AWA compliance and deter future violations.
The full APHIS 2023 Impact Report is available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-impact-report-2023.pdf.
For more information:
Go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home.
Review regulations updates in AKC’s Regulatory Resources Center.
Contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.