Why Boycott Missouri?
The state of Missouri has the highest concentration of USDA licensed Class "A" breeders in the U.S. - this accounts for one third of all those licensed in the country. The plight of animals in these facilities has been an embarrassment to the majority of Missouri's citizenry. In 1992, with public support, the Missouri Legislature passed the "Animal Care Facilities Act" (ACFA) essentially mirroring federal Animal Welfare regulations and standards. Responsibility for administration for the ACFA program was delegated to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, conditions for the animals have not improved since then.

In early 2000, Missouri's Committee on Legislative Research, Oversight Division, released a report entitled "Program Evaluation, Animal Care Facilities Act, Department of Agriculture." The report documents shortcomings with Missouri Department of Agriculture's administration of the ACFA program. For example, the report indicates that since the inception of ACFA in 1992, not one license has been revoked or suspended. Information in the document should also prove to be beneficial in our quest for Congressional Hearings regarding federal enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The report indicates that "... it appears the USDA inspectors do not always follow the written federal guidelines as currently drafted and have been instructed to follow their own professional judgement when inspecting a facility. "Another finding - "From review of many USDA reports, it appears that some USDA inspectors may be more lenient than others..." - was supported by an IDA review of inspection reports in numerous states including Missouri.

For a copy of the report prepared by the Missouri Committee on Legislative Research, Oversight Division, please write to:
Ms. Jeanne Jarrett, Director
Committee on Legislative Research
Oversight Division
State Capitol, Room 132
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(A fee may be assessed for this document)