USDA seeks change to regulate Internet pet sales

USDA seeks change to regulate Internet pet sales Dog breeders who skirt animal welfare laws by selling puppies over the Internet would face tighter scrutiny under a rule change proposed Thursday by the U. The proposed change seeks to close that loophole by ensuring that anyone who sells pets over the Internet, by phone or mail order can no longer do so sight-unseen. "We feel this is certainly a much-needed change to an outdated system," said Rebecca Blue, deputy undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. "The change will finally allow the USDA to properly enforce violations, shut down puppy mills, and prevent future abuses of dogs and unsuspecting customers," Farr said. , and Lois Capps, D-Calif. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. , a longtime animal welfare supporter, and Reps. , as well as Sens. The Internet opened a whole new venue for puppy sales, and thousands of large-scale breeders who advertise there have not been subject to oversight or inspection. Jim Gerlach, R-Pa. , and David Vitter, R-La. , Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Farr welcomed the USDA's decision. The USDA will accept comments on the proposed rule change for 60 days. That law, written in 1966, set standards of care for animals bred for commercial sale and research. , Bill Young, R-Fla. USDA seeks change to regulate Internet pet sales Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 13/05/2012