2.16.2009

After the book Ban, they come for yore animals



If book bannin' ain't enough, how about yore animals?

When is enough enough? Ain't rhetorical, I really is askin' y'all....




From Mother Earth News


Animal owners, consumers and taxpayers:
NAIS ALERT! Protect your right to farm and to eat local food. Speak out against the National Animal Identification System!

The USDA has proposed a rule to require all farms and ranches where animals are raised to be registered in a federal database under the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) for existing disease control programs. The draft rule covers programs for cattle, sheep, goats and swine. It also sets the stage for the entire NAIS program to be mandated for everyone, including anyone who owns even one livestock animal (for example, a single chicken or a horse).

It’s critical that the USDA and Congress hear from the hundreds of thousands of people who will be adversely affected by the NAIS program. This includes not only animal owners, but also consumers who care about local and sustainable foods, taxpayers who object to wasteful government programs and advocates for a safer food system.

NAIS does nothing to improve food safety for consumers or prevent animal diseases. This program is a one-size-fits-all program developed by and for big Agribusiness. NAIS will increase consolidation of our food supply in the hands of a few large companies and put the brakes on the growing movement toward local food systems with its high costs.

Despite promises to the contrary, the USDA’s new proposed rule would make portions of the system mandatory for thousands of people in every state. Anyone who participates in federal disease control program for cattle, sheep, goats or swine will have their premises registered. The NAIS Premises Identification Number (PIN) will become the only form of premises identification acceptable for USDA animal health purposes, with no opt-out provision.

The proposed rule would also limit official Animal Identification Numbers to the NAIS-compliant 840-numbering system, laying the groundwork for future regulations that would limit the types of tags that can be used.

The proposed rule is not final yet. You can help stop NAIS by visiting the Federal Registry and making a comment. Visit their website and click on the yellow balloon under “add comments.” And don’t forget to send a copy of your comments to your elected officials, letting them know how you feel about NAIS.


13 comments:

fishy said...

I am feeling bludgeoned! Website visited, senators will hear from me, again, tomorrow.

boneman said...

I can't really see that happenning, actually.
Though, as far as cattle go, I've still a lot of meat eating, cheeseburger chomping friends, and, I was kind'a worried over the mad cow stuff (one tough critter to stop when in a system) and it sounds like maybe that'll help keep monitors in place?

Meanwhile, that brings to mind ol' Hee Haw?
How's that critter doing? I heard it got a might cold down that aways over the Winter and all.

Anonymous said...

we talk about this all the time over at the chicken forum. it is what you say -big agribusiness doesnt like the trend toward local growers sustainable communities etc. the control of food is an essential component of tyranny. every time.

gah!

Anonymous said...

GAH! Auntie, no more of this.

Tell us a story will you?

Jenny said...

Despite being a vegetarian, even I think this is insane. It's not about ensuring safety.... it's about control. Pfffft.

Go tofu!

Anonymous said...

AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Just read Boomer's Bloomers
More, please

NYD said...

Oh Noooooooo! what will this mean for my pet buffalo? This is not nais at all.

Once again, all in the name of safety and protecting the general welfare...

Aunty Belle said...

HUff, puff....hey y'all---would like to respond to each but that OTHER life, the one they tell me is "real" life is a bossy shrew today--back soon!

Anonymous said...

Did Uncle send his porkrinds to chucky schumer in the great-porkrind-protest? (yeah, chucky baby said americans don't care about the pork in the stimulus bill, HA!)

h said...

I ain't leaving any comments on a Gov Website based on the version-of-events provided by something called "MotherEarthNews".

I'll see if I can find a reputable source though.

New Troll Poll!

fishy said...

Belle, you can't just hunker down and have a real life when your bloggerville folks are in need of a little light entertainment.

Oh-Oh... did you see K9's blog is gone?
Did ya go see Boxer's latest video production?
Get out and cruise Aunty!

moi said...

I live in a state filled with small farmers and ranchers. Ain't none of us happy. At all. Luckily, we cling to our guns.

boneman said...

Seriously, though....I'm trying to imagine some clown in a suit, clipboard in hand, "one sparrow, two junkos and a cardinal.
No. Wait. Two cardinals. Another junko?
three more mourning doves...(why are they so sad?)....and so on.

For example, if the census man comes to Chickory looking to count up Miss Dovey?
HA!
Better count faster, mister!