Christine, DeHaven is the USDA honcho that appeard at the HSUS annual meeting with the USDA "Position" paper opposing big cats as pet - doesn't define what big cat is.
Shirl
-------------Forwarded Message----------------- From: INTERNET:Phoenix_Exotics
To: [unknown], INTERNET:Phoenix_Exotics
Date: 04/03/2000 3:22 PM
Re: [Phoenix_Exotics] Digest Number 159
USDA adopted a new policy within the last year allowing them to place animals confiscated from licensees into UNlicensed humane societies/shelters. In a recent meeting attended by many AZA members, Ron DeHaven talked about his innovative plan to redirect fines for violations of the Animal Welfare Act AWAY from the U.S. Treasury and into the hands of these unlicensed societies/shelters.
If all this doesn't form a neat little picture, we're blind as a bat. As for USDA claiming ignorance of the Shambala bill, I don't believe it for a minute. The whole world knew about it; how could USDA not have?
Polly
<<The USDA doesn't have to have any $$$ to confiscate & take over our animals
- so don't think this is a deterrent to this bill.
Shambala makes it mandatory that you keep liability insurance AND a surety bond - this is a performance bond, the amount to be set by the Secretary in an amount that would care for the animal for it's lifetime - you can bet it will be hefty.
IF for any reason you run afoul of USDA - they simply confiscate your animal, call in the surety bond, give the $$$ to the sanctuary that says they'll take the cat. FURTHER, it requires you to pay for the capture, care & transportation of the animal pending any hearings, appeals, or whatever.
Remember too folks that under USDA - all animals even an iguana on your property could be covered once you have a permit for another animal ........... SO some one determines you've abused the iguana, and here they come after your cat/wolf/monkey - there are so many nightmare scenarios here.
I was what iffing - in the post ZB refers to - wouldn't it be nice IF we could trust our Government to do the right thing - we can all dream occassionally, sorry.