Release No. 0350.00

Andy Solomon (202) 720-4623
andy.solomon@usda.gov

USDA REACHES PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE LAWSUIT

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2000--The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached a proposed settlement of an animal welfare lawsuit brought by the Alternatives Research & Development Foundation.

Under the terms of the settlement, which has yet to be approved by the federal judge overseeing the case, USDA will initiate and complete a rulemaking process on the regulation of rats, mice, and birds under the Animal Welfare Act. These animals are not currently regulated under the Animal Welfare Act by USDA.

"I believe this proposed settlement is a reasonable resolution of this case," said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. "By initiating rulemaking, we ensure an open process with significant opportunity for public input. If the settlement is approved, I would strongly urge interested parties to actively participate in the rulemaking process to ensure that all points of view are fairly represented."

USDA will keep ARDF and the public informed throughout the rulemaking process.

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