Gov. Shutdown Halts Animal Protection Services

The government shutdown has resulted in numerous federally-funded animal-protection programs that are deemed non-essential, to stop operating. According to activist blogger Michael Markarian, US Department of Agriculture inspections that help ensure research facilities, commercial dog breeders, and exotic animal exhibitors are adhering to the Animal Welfare Act, are forced to go on hiatus. Furthermore, the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Dynamic Management Area program, which prevents endangered whales from being struck by oceanic vessels, will also be forced to stop operating. Fortunately, Markarian notes, US Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers who combat poaching will remain employed, and other agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and Bureau of Land Management, will be able to resume their respective animal care programs in some capacity.