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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), and USDA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Civil Judicial Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
The agencies have been closely collaborating on civil judicial enforcement of the AWA for almost four years.
The MOU represents another significant step forward in AWA enforcement, as it outlines new actions the agencies will take to enhance their collaboration. In general, the MOU establishes a framework for notification, consultation, and coordination among APHIS, USDA’s General Counsel and ENRD. Building on the agencies’ ongoing relationship, this framework formalizes procedures for regular meetings, coordination on enforcement referrals, information sharing, and additional training for employees, among other activities. These procedures will better enable the agencies to prepare for and coordinate on potential civil enforcement actions.
March 8, 2024/ USDA/ United States.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov
