WASHINGTON, August 18, 2000--The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the comment period on its consideration to replace or modifiy the system for classifying animal pain and distress for animals used for research, tests, experiments, or teaching. USDA is also considering adding a definition for the word “distress” in its Animal Welfare Act regulations.
“The public has requested more time to comment on these important issues, and we want to give interested parties sufficient time to respond,” said W. Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA’s marketing and regulatory programs mission area. “Public comments are very important to our decisions about changes to AWA regulations.”
With the 60-day extension, consideration will be given to comments received on or before Nov. 7. To submit comments, send an original and three copies to Docket No. 00-005-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1238.
Comments regarding this issue are available to the public and may be viewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to review comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the reading room.
The notice of the extension of the comment period is published in the Aug. 21 Federal Register. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register, and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.
For additional information, contact: Jodie Kulpa, staff veterinarian, AC, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, Md. 20737, (301) 734-7833.
Go to:
Contents, Animal Welfare Information Center Bulletin
Top of Document
The Animal Welfare Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-6212
FAX: (301) 504-7125
Contact us: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/contact.php
