So the government has done it again, but this time they have picked a strange battle. The USDA website has officially removed animal welfare data from their website. That means stats on zoos, circuses, puppy mills, farms, the drug industry, and so on. This is extremely crucial as this data was a way for not only individuals but organizations and activist groups to track animal abusers and the large companies who partake in such heinous behaviors. This also allowed the public to investigate dog breeders and pet stores so they could be active participants in preventing puppy mills and the abusive behavior that goes on in them. But there is still a way to access this information, it is called the Freedom of Information Act.

The exact definition of this act is a federal freedom of information law that allows or the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government. This act is used by businesses, lawyers, organizations, and the general public. So you may be asking yourself “So what’s the problem if the information is still available?” Well it is not readily available or easy to access. Submitting this paperwork is just another thing these activist organizations need to do. On top of any legal filings they have, other paperwork, and sorting through donations, this just adds to their burdens. Not to mention rather than being able to easily look up whoever they are keeping track of, they constantly are going to have to file these papers for every update they need. So these organizations are going to be bogged down and unable to keep accurate records and keep up with any legal battles they have going on. This affects organizations and businesses across the board.

And the effect it will have on the public is simply insane. No longer will people be able to check on the status of puppy mills, learn which breeders are abusive to animals, and keep up with animal abuse incidents in general that the public should be aware of. This is again another example under this administration of taking away general information that the public has every right to have access to. But as I stated earlier, the public will not be silenced. As the general public you have every right to take this knowledge in your own hands and I’m gonna give you that access.

First click here to select which government organization you want to request a FOIA from. Select from this list the USDA if that is the issue you are focused on. So once you get to the USDA you should select the department of Animal & Plant Health Inspection. And right here is the link on how to submit your FOIA and where to send it to. As well as all the information you need to know what to include in your FOIA form. I strongly encourage you to reach out. Not only to assert your right as a citizen to this information. But as well to show the government and this administration that they can’t silence the American public.