The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

1. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Myths v. Reality

2. APHIS • Housed deep within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an agency shrouded in myths. • Myths that in protecting human interests, animal interests must be harmed. • Myths that animal suffering, cognition, and point of view must be compromised in order for people to coexist with wildlife. • Myths that non-lethal methods of animal control do not, in fact, cause harm to wildlife.

3. Mission • The mission of APHIS is to “provide Federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist.” • in reality, APHIS wields its power to harm sensitive wildlife populations.

4. Summary Data 2013 • Killed/Euthanized • APHIS killed over four million animals in 2013 • Removed/Destroyed (Dens and Burrows) • APHIS obliterated over fifty thousand dens and burrows that serve as the home base for a number of species • Dispersed • APHIS dispersed over seventeen million animals using methods to harass and traumatize the animals • APHIS used tools such as firearms, pyrotechnics, dogs, whistlers/screamers, vehicles, paint balls, and bombs (just to name a few) to intentionally disturb wildlife such that it would be forced to leave the area Grey/Timber Wolves • Freed/Released/Relocated • APHIS freed under thirty thousand animals • APHIS used painful traps and snares to capture the animals

5. Summary Data 2010-2013

6. Comparison of Lethal vs. Non-Lethal Methods 2013

7. APHIS Directive Has No Direction • APHIS says: in selecting damage management techniques for specific wildlife damage situations, consideration must be given to the species responsible and the frequency, extent, and magnitude of damage. • However: • Does not clearly explain how APHIS weighs different factors • Does not clearly explain how the agency analyzes alternatives • Does not consider ethical reasons for taking lethal and invasive actions toward wildlife

8. Myth or Reality? • Myth: APHIS considers animal pain, suffering, cognition, and point of view when deciding how to carry out its mission to “provide Federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist.” • Reality: In 2013, APHIS went on a killing spree targeting non-invasive wildlife including grey wolves, mountain lions, long tailed shrikes, deer mice, and red foxes. Even non-lethal methods of animal control harm, harass, and traumatize innocent animals. • Myth: APHIS has a logical, well-balanced directive to for selecting wildlife management techniques • Reality: APHIS’s management approach to “resolving conflicts” between humans and wildlife is vague and unguided

9. Alternative for Myth/Reality