Animal safety relies on inspection reports

Roughly one year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture removed critical inspection reports and enforcement data from its public database. This information, including records of enforcement actions against violators of the Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act, provided transparency into research labs, zoos, commercial dog-breeding facilities and puppy mills, circuses and more. It allowed the public to hold organizations accountable for humane animal treatment and provided a springboard for new legislation to protect our two- and four-legged friends.

However, it has been one year, and the department still refuses to reinstate access to this database. In doing so it has chosen not to protect our most vulnerable animals and instead has given safe haven to those entities with full capacity to cause pain and suffering. An August 2017 “refined” database, provided as a replacement for the original, hides critical information that leaves it ineffectual.

The Agriculture Department’s mission is to “provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources … and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.”

I call on the department to live up to that mission today. End the blackout. Speak for those who cannot speak up themselves and restore full access to animal-welfare inspection and enforcement information today.

Sarah Robles Columbus