On February 3, 2017, the USDA barred the public from viewing its online database of licensed dog and cat breeding facilities. The USDA also terminated public access to the inspection reports of those facilities. We are demanding that the USDA reverse these decisions.

Without a database, the public cannot easily discover if a dog or cat breeder has been abusing animals at their facility. This allows unscrupulous breeders and pet shops to deceive consumers and keep harming animals, outside of public scrutiny.

Many cities and states regulate or ban the sale of puppy mill animals, but without timely access to the USDA’s information they cannot properly enforce their laws. Municipalities that wish to enact similar regulations also need USDA reports when determining if their local pet shops use puppy mill breeders who violate the Animal Welfare Act.

Here is the USDA’s official statement on their change of policy: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalwelfare/enforcementactions

Please sign the petition today, demanding a return to transparency and an immediate reversal of this action.