Citing privacy laws, the USDA removed animal-welfare inspection reports, enforcement records and other material about treatment of animals from its website, reported The Associated Press. The Humane Society of the United States said USDA has “given cover to people who neglect or harm animals and get cited by USDA inspectors.”
Said The Washington Post, “It is unclear whether the decision to remove the animal-related records was driven by newly hired Trump administration officials … Advocates for businesses that rely on animals, including agriculture and exotic pet breeders, have long resented government oversight that they say is overly aggressive and influenced by animal protection groups.”
A USDA statement said the documents, which include records of actions against violators, could be requested under freedom of information laws. “Those can take years to be approved,” said AP. It said the documents “were frequently used by animal welfare advocates to monitor government regulation of animal treatment at circuses, scientific labs and zoos. Journalists have used the documents to expose violations at universities.”
To read the USDA statement, click here.