http://pawofjustice.org Our hope is to implement USDA regulations for rats and mice. Tue, 24 Jul 2007 21:39:00 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 http://cbsnewyork.com/healthwatch/health_story_125132159.html http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=65 The USDA now has a basic breakdown of all the Comments submitted for Docket No. 98-106-4: Postal Comments http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/LPOC/98-106-4.txt E-Mail Comments https://web01.aphis.usda.gov/regpublic.nsf/fc818cf6f3e7a7f585256eb5003ba6a9?OpenView and the PoJ Comment is ID No. 5053! Web Comments (NOTE: almost impossible to navigate and the server keeps going down) https://web01.aphis.usda.gov/rats.nsf?Open http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=63 Is it necessary sometimes to do one evil to prevent a worse evil? http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=62 628 individuals emailed the USDA to let them know that: - they believe rats and mice are animals - they believe rats and mice are not "food and fiber" - they want specific standards of humane care for rats and mice - they believe a few pennies extra per rat or mouse is well ... http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=61 The USDA Letter Generator is now "offline" - thanks to everyone who took the time to write in! http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=60 Try the Senator Letter Generator! Now also the Secretary of Agriculture Letter Generator! CLICK ME http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=59 Secure breeding environments and appropriate good-health measures are key. Wild rats and mice (and other wildlife) are capable of sharing their creepy-crawlies with their domestic cousins. Furthermore, these domesticated rats and mice will share them with other animals at their intended destinations and then, ultimately, with you! Oxyuriasis - ... http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=57 We can't prevent bacteria from being, but we can limit the harm done. Poor breeding practices and facilities contribute to greater risk. Clean bedding and ample space (the more overcrowded, the more likely they are to attack cagemates) alone would reduce such risk to them, to other animals, ... http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=56 Viruses happen and we can't do much about that, but we should be concerned about knowingly sending sick animals to their intended destinations! They can get everyone sick and that can become quite costly! Parvovirus - RV:      Rat (and wild) is natural host.      Can affect hamsters, mice, kittens.      Transmission fecal-oral, urine, ... http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=55 Lovely timing! North American Pet Distributor Inc. (NAPD) is the Upper Midwest’s largest supplier of small animals to the pet industry." Click here to see where your pet rats are coming from. * They "receive hundreds of animals." They haven't the space to accommodate the quantity and so many suffer ... http://pawofjustice.org/index.php?p=54