2021-APHIS-01570-F Brown, Ann Center for Biological 

Diversity

1/4/2021 2/3/2021 This is a request under the Freedom of Informat on Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, as amended (“FOIA”), from the Center for

Biological Diversity (“Center”), a non-profit organization that works to secure a future for all species hovering on the

brink of extinction through science, law, and creative media, and to fulfill the continuing educational goals of its

membership and the general publ c in the process. The Center requests from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (“APHIS”) Wildlife Serv ces, and APHIS Minnesota Wildlife Services (collectively referred to hereafter as “APHISWS”): 1. From January 1, 2000 to the date APHIS-WS conducts this search, the final records generated pursuant to the

consultation process under Sect on 7 of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1536 (“ESA”), prioritizing the records

of biological evaluations, biolog cal assessments, concurrences, and/or biolog cal opinions generated in connect on with

the impacts of APHIS-WS’ management actions in Minnesota on species listed under the ESA; and 2. From January 1,

2018 to the date APHIS-WS conducts this search, the records summarizing the number of animals of each species killed

and by what method by APHIS-WS in Minnesota, by county. For this request, the term “records” refers to documents,

correspondence (including inter and/or intra-agency correspondence as well as correspondence with entities or

individuals outside the federal government), emails, letters, notes, recordings, telephone records, telephone notes,

telephone logs, text messages, chat messages, minutes, memoranda, comments, files, presentations, consultations,

biological opinions, assessments, evaluations, schedules, papers published and/or unpublished, reports, studies,

photographs and other images, data (including raw data, GPS or GIS data, UTM, LiDAR, etc.), maps, and/or all other

responsive records, in draft or final form. This request is not meant to exclude any other records that, although not

specially requested, are reasonably related to the subject matter of this request. If you or your office have destroyed or

determine to withhold any records that could be reasonably construed to be responsive to this request, I ask that you

indicate this fact and the reasons therefore in your response. Under the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, agencies are 

prohibited from denying requests for information under FOIA unless the agency reasonably believes release of the

information will harm an interest that is protected by the exemption. FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Publ c Law No.

114-185), codified at 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(8)(A). Should you decide to invoke a FOIA exemption, please include suff cient

information for us to assess the basis for the exemption, including any interest(s) that would be harmed by release.

Please include a detailed ledger which includes: 1. Bas c factual material about each withheld record, including the

originator, date, length, general subject matter, and location of each item; and 2. Complete explanat ons and

justifications for the withholding, including the specif c exemption(s) under which the record (or portion thereof) was

w thheld and a full explanat on of how each exempt on applies to the w thheld material. Such statements will be helpful

in deciding whether to appeal an adverse determinat on. Your wr tten justification may help to avo d litigat on. 

2021-APHIS-01652-F Strong, Jeffery USDA/APHIS/PPQ/PDC/NDDT

C

1/6/2021 2/5/2021 Further seeking general work center information. I would like to know how many classes were taught by the Nat onal 

Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC) from 1 Oct 2019 to 30 Sept 2020. The name of the class and what training 

specialist taught the class. I would also like to know how many TDY's were conducted from 1 Oct 2019 to 30 Sept 2020. 

The reason for the TDY The name of the training specialist who performed the TDY I am conf dent this information is 

not protected under the Privacy Act and would be considered general work information. In fact, I have the NDDTC 2020 

work calendar that shows the information but I can't confirm if the information on the calendar is 100% accurate. I 

contacted the NDDTC Director and was told the information would not be provided.

2021-APHIS-01799-F Leroux, Jocelyn Western Watersheds Project 1/14/2021 2/16/2021 I am writing today to request lethal management activities reports for wolf management activities in the state of 

Montana from USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. On behalf of Western Watersheds Project and pursuant to the Act (5 U.S.C. 

§ 552), I am requesting: 1. All records concerning successful or unsuccessful lethal wolf management from January 1,

2020 to the date of search, including the following: a. Wolf-livestock depredation reports including those leading to

lethal or attempted lethal removal of one or more wolves, b. Internal agency correspondence regarding lethal or

attempted lethal removal of one or more wolves, c. Agency correspondence with impacted landowners or livestock

producers regarding lethal or attempted lethal removal of one or more wolves, d. Agency documentation of all

successful or unsuccessful wolf kill missions, e. Photographs f. Wolf trapping reports (Date Range for Record Search:

From 01/01/2020 To 02/08/2021)

2021-APHIS-02049-F Hartke, Ron Ardent Technologies Inc 1/28/2021 2/26/2021 I am requesting: 1. historical PWS/SOW for existing contract - AG6395C170108 2. for existing contract, who is currently 

assigned: PM (program manager), COR (Contracting Organizat on Representative), POC (point of contact), CO/KO 

(contract officer), and CS (contract specialist)
2021-APHIS-01668-F Johnson, Mina Mississippi Center For 

Investigative Reporting

1/8/2021 2/9/2021 On behalf of the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting, I am reaching out to your office for assistance in 

obtaining any, and all, records for the years of 1992-2002, pertaining to the purchase (acquisition), sale , transportation 

(both interstate and international), dentification, and previous ownership of animals (disposit on), as well as any 

inventory list (records of animal on hand). In addition, any, and all records pertaining to complaints, inspection reports, 

violation not ces, and/or reports, inspection reports, or records pertaining to ongoing investigations regarding dealer 

names of Jack Donald Lewis (aka Don Lewis) and Carole A. Lewis; USDA License Number 58-B-201. Organizat ons: 

Wildlife on Easy Street; Wild Cat on Wings; Back to Eden, with a phys cal address of 12802 Easy Street, Tampa, Florida 

33625. As part of this request, we are also seeking all written correspondence from dealer to USDA; from USDA to other 

government agencies, both State and Federally, as well as international entities; from constituents to USDA with 

inquiries, concerns and or complaints, involving the dealer, or the entities they were doing business "as". We 

understand there might be charges associated with compiling the documentation of this request, and agree to 

reimburse according, w th no limitations on the amount we are willing to extend to get such records.

2021-APHIS-01841-F Lambert, Emily - 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 I am requesting all records related to the complaints, inspections and investigation of Catty Shack Ranch, 58-C-0630. 

By all docs, I refer to: • investigation reports; • all written correspondence, including emails between the exhibitor and 

the USDA, between members of the publ c and the usda, between members of any animal rights or welfare group and 

the USDA, and internal correspondence (IES and AC) relating to the exhibitor; • memoranda; • color photographs (in 

the original digital format) and videos; and • all attachments or exhibits to the above records. All internal 

communications (letters, faxes, and similar correspondence; memoranda, emails on government-issued and personal 

dev ces; text messages on government-issued and personal devices; messages on instant messaging applications, 

including but not limited to Conf de and Signal; messages on social media accounts; and notes of communications [e.g., 

notes of in-person conversat ons or telephone calls]) pertaining to the subject of the records specified above; and All 

communications (letters, faxes, and similar correspondence; memoranda, emails on government issued and personal 

dev ces; text messages on government issued and personal devices; messages on instant messaging applicat ons, 

including but not limited to Conf de and Signal; messages on social media accounts; and notes of communications [e.g., 

notes of in-person conversat ons or telephone calls])to/from the licensees, registrants, or their representatives 

pertaining to the subject of the records specified above. (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2010to 

1/16/2021) (D (Date Range for Record Search: From 1/1/2010 To 1/16/2021)

2021-APHIS-02025-F Martin, Michelle - 1/26/2021 2/24/2021 Request all complaints in regard to Brian Lichirie (USDA Lic. # is 42-B-0317) locate in Iowa.

2021-APHIS-02065-F McCapes, Emma Animal Legal Defense Fund 1/28/2021 2/26/2021 Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, ALDF requests all USDA APHIS records related to: • 

“National Foundation for Rescued Animals”; • “Tiger Missing Link Foundat on,” • “Tiger Missing Link, Inc”; • “Tiger 

Creek Wildlife Refuge”' • “Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary”; • “Tigerlink,” and • The property located at 17552 Farm to 

Market Road 14, Tyler, TX 75706.

2021-APHIS-01825-F Kleiman, Eric Animal Welfare Institute 1/14/2021 2/16/2021 Requests all inspection reports, photos, videos, DVDs and CDs related to Dan Moulton, USDA l cense 41-B-0239, from 

January 1, 2016 to the present.

2021-APHIS-01868-F Zaslow, Alexandra - 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 I am inquiring about gaining access to an unredacted electronic version of the Report of Investigation from the United 

States Department of Agr culture Animal Plant Health Inspect on Service Investigative and Enforcement Services 

Western Region Fort Collins, CO. V olator(s): S&R Productions DBA Siegfried & Roy; Case number NV04001AC; 

Violation: 9 CFR 2; Investigator: J David Neal c/o USDA, APHIS, IES; Dated September 28, 2004. V olators Info: 

Siegfried and Roy doing business as S&R Productions is a Nevada Corporat on. They hold an USDA Exhibitors License 88-

c-0006. They have been l censed w th the USDA for over 15 years; Violat on Events: On or about October 3, 2003, while 

performing at the Mirage Hotel a white tiger known as "Montecore" attacked and severely injured Roy Uwe Horn, of 

Siegfried and Roy fame.
2021-APHIS-02082-F Marshall, Teresa PETA Foundation 1/29/2021 3/1/2021 PETA requests all records related to Bhagavan Antle DBA T.I.G.E.R.S., 56-C-0116, dated January 1, 2018 onwards. By 

all records I refer to: • Investigat on reports; • License applications and renewals; • Memoranda; • Itineraries; • 

Veterinary records; • Videos and photographs in their original digital format; • All attachments or exhibits to the above 

records; • All written correspondence, including emails between members of the public (complainants) and the USDA. • 

All written exchanges of information between agency personnel and records that document similar oral exchanges 

pertaining to the subject of the records specified above, as follows: o Letters, faxes, and similar correspondence; o 

Memoranda; o Emails on government-issued and personal devices; o Text messages on government-issued and 

personal dev ces; o Messages on instant messaging applications, including but not limited to Conf de and Signal; o 

Messages on social media accounts; and o Notes of communications (e.g., notes of in-person conversations or telephone 

calls). • All written exchanges of information to/from the licensees, registrants, or their representatives and records that 

document similar oral exchanges pertaining to the subject of the records specified above, as follows: o Letters and 

faxes; o Memoranda; o Emails on government-issued or personal devices; o Text messages on government-issued and 

personal dev ces; o Messages on instant messaging applications, including but not limited to Conf de and Signal; o 

Messages on social media accounts; and o Notes of communications (e.g., notes of in-person conversations or telephone 

calls). (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/29/2021 To 01/29/2021)

2021-APHIS-02083-F PETA Foundation 1/29/2021 3/1/2021 PETA requests the results to complaint AC21-034 regarding Bhagavan Antle 56-C-0116 including photos/videos in their 

original format. PETA also requests: 1. All written exchanges of information between agency personnel and records that 

document similar oral exchanges pertaining to the subject of the records specified above, as follows: • Letters, faxes, 

and similar correspondence; • Memoranda; • Emails on government-issued and personal devices; • Text messages on 

government-issued and personal dev ces; • Messages on instant messaging applicat ons, including but not lim ted to 

Confide and Signal; • Messages on social media accounts; and • Notes of commun cations (e.g., notes of in-person 

conversations or telephone calls). 2. All written exchanges of information to/from the licensees, registrants, or their 

representatives and records that document similar oral exchanges pertaining to the subject of the records specified 

above, as follows: • Letters and faxes; • Memoranda; • Emails on government-issued or personal dev ces; • Text 

messages on government-issued and personal devices; • Messages on instant messaging applications, including but not 

limited to Confide and Signal; • Messages on social media accounts; and • Notes of communications (e.g., notes of inperson conversat ons or telephone calls). (Date Range for Record Search: From 11/01/2020 To 01/29/2021)

2021-APHIS-01585-F Frega, Doreen - 1/5/2021 2/4/2021 Subject: Geese and Wildlife Management Control, performed by APHIS. Timeframe: 7/1/2019-12/31/2021. I am 

requesting the following records: 1. All New Cooperators/Cooperative Service Agreements, (1/1/2021-12/31/2021) w th 

all NJ entities, who utilize the USDA serv ces for Canadian Geese, Migratory Bird and various other Wildlife throughout 

NJ, for management control. This applies to all forms of nonlethal and lethal control, including roundups, nests and egg 

destruction. 2. Form 37: The recommendation form and the results, the USDA provides to the Cooperators, holding a 

Cooperative Service Agreement with the USDA, for any type of depredat on perm t applied for, by various entities using 

the USDA services.The USDA attaches a copy of form 37 to the depredation perm t and sends it out. I am requesting 

copies of all the recommendations forms, specifically form 37, the USDA sends out to all Cooperators that apply for a 

depredat on perm t. I am referring to the number of Canada Geese, all Migratory Birds and other wildlife killed, taken, 

relocated or harvested, which were recorded on the depredation Form 37 permit, issued by the USDA to Cooperators. 

This applies to Canadian Geese, all Migratory Birds and other Wildlife in NJ. Timeframe: 7/1/2019-12/31/2020. 3. The 

results of all final annual reports submitted to the USDA by the Cooperators in NJ, holding Cooperative Serv ce 

Agreements for Canada Geese, Migratory Birds and other wildlife in NJ, regarding management control performed by 

APHIS. Timeframe: 7/1/2019-12/31/2020. Thank you, Doreen Frega 201-294-0118 (Date Range for Record Search: 

From 07/01/2019 To 12/31/2021)

2021-APHIS-01902-F Unger, Sue Royston Rayzor Vickery & 

Williams

1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Requesting any and all inspection records of the vessel's on hold and cargo of the M/V EPTALOFOS. The inspection 

records should include any laboratory results/analysis of the cargo and moisture content levels. Vessel: M/V EPTALOFOS 

Shipper: Bunge North America Location: Darrow, Louisiana Cargo: Approximately 71,000 tons of corn (maize) Date of 

Inspection: May 2018

(b) (6)
2021-APHIS-01834-F Talamo, Lex Lady Freethinker 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Freedom of Informat on Act Request Letter From: Lex Talamo Reporter, Lady Freethinker lex@ladyfreethinker.org Jan. 

15, 2021 Dear Custodian of Records for the Department of Agriculture: This is a request under the Freedom of 

Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information, 

be prov ded to me: Any and all documents related to animal care v olations at Jen-Air Aussies, Bernville (owned by Jenn 

Miller) in Berks County, Pennsylvania, including but not limited to citations, inspect on reports, cease and desist orders, 

license revocations, and citizen-referred complaints, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2020. In order to help to determine 

my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a representative of the news media affiliated with the nonprofit 

news outlet Lady Freethinker, and this request is made as part of news gathering and not for a commercial use. I 

request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested information to me is in the public interest 

because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operat ons or activities of the USDA in 

licensing and enforcement related to animal welfare, and also will help expose any untoward cruelty at certain facilities 

in Pennsylvania so people can be more informed consumers. Disclosure of this information is not primarily in my 

commercial interest. Please provide expedited processing of this request, which concerns a matter of urgency. As a 

reporter, I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. The public has an urgent need for information about 

Pennsylvania's puppy mills as legislation addressing pet sales is coming up in legislative sess on. I certify that my 

statements concerning the need for exped ted processing are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. 

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Lex Talamo Lady Freethinker 818-208-8590 (Date Range for 

Record Search: From 01/01/2018 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01835-F Talamo, Lex Lady Freethinker 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Freedom of Informat on Act Request Letter From: Lex Talamo Reporter, Lady Freethinker lex@ladyfreethinker.org Jan. 

15, 2021 Dear Custodian of Records for the Department of Agriculture: This is a request under the Freedom of 

Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information, 

be prov ded to me: Any and all documents related to animal care v olations at Whispering Spring Kennel, LLC, East Earl 

(owned by James Burkholder) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, including but not limited to citations, inspect on 

reports, cease and desist orders, license revocations, and citizen-referred complaints, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 

2020. In order to help to determine my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a representative of the news 

media affiliated with the nonprof t news outlet Lady Freethinker, and this request is made as part of news gathering and 

not for a commercial use. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested informat on to me is 

in the publ c interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities 

of the USDA in l censing and enforcement related to animal welfare, and also will help expose any untoward cruelty at 

certain facilities in Pennsylvania so people can be more informed consumers. Disclosure of this informat on is not 

primarily in my commercial interest. Please provide exped ted processing of this request, which concerns a matter of 

urgency. As a reporter, I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. The public has an urgent need for 

information about Pennsylvania's puppy mills as legislation addressing pet sales is coming up in legislative session. I 

certify that my statements concerning the need for expedited processing are true and correct to the best of my 

knowledge and belief. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Lex Talamo Lady Freethinker 818-208

8590 (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2018 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01934-F Moraz, Gina ASPCA 1/21/2021 2/19/2021 On behalf of the ASPCA, I request the following: All records relating to any dog dealer's appeal of an inspection finding 

and any appeal determinations made for the month of December 2020. Please include any records reflecting the 

inspection finding(s), the appeal(s) submitted by or on behalf of the licensee, the agency's considerat on of the 

appeal(s), and any determinat on(s) made as a result of the appeal, including the final report.

2021-APHIS-01969-F Gengler, Bethanie - 1/25/2021 2/23/2021 I would like to request all records of acquisition, disposition and transport of animals from Harold DeYoung/DeYoung 

Zoo (Certif cate number: 34-C-0141) from 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020. (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2020 

To 12/31/2020)
2021-APHIS-01543-F Makesh, Prem Kishore ITC 1/4/2021 2/3/2021 I am currently working on a research work, focusing on reducing the amount of Noxious weed rejections of Indian Seed 

Spices (Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Dill Seeds, Coriander and Celery seeds) in the USA Port. For the same, I would like 

the understand the current trend of rejections which happens at US Port. The Information I am looking for is 1. Date of 

Reject on 2. Supplier Name 3. Importer Name 4. Exporting Country Involved 5. Name of the US Port, where the cargo 

was rejected 6. Action Taken for reject on 7. Time Frame - 01-01-2015 to 31-12-2020 8. Export material - Whole Seed 

Spices (Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Dill Seeds, Coriander and Celery seeds) Product name should be mentioned for each 

of line of entry rejected 9. Reject on Criteria - Reject on due to presence of Federal Noxious Weed 10. Name of the 

Federal Noxious Weed, which led to the Rejection. 11. Number of Weeds Observed in the sample, for rejection. Thank 

You (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2015 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01748-F O'Flaherty, Rachel Lewis and Clark Law School 1/12/2021 2/11/2021 This request is being made on behalf of Delcianna Winders, Assistant Clin cal Professor, Center for Animal Law Studies, 

Lewis & Clark Law School. All records related to COVID-19 outbreaks at mink farms located in Oregon for the time 

period to October 1, 2020, through the date this request is processed.

2021-APHIS-01827-F Collins, Jessica - 1/14/2021 2/16/2021 This request is I regard to the persistence of Methyl Bromide on wooden boxes that have been imported. Request any 

information specifically about the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that might continually be produced by wood that 

has been treated with Methyl Bromide. Would like to know if the wood has emitted the toxin into the air within 48 hours 

(I think I read it supposedly has a 24 hour half life in air) or if the wood releases the toxin at specific intervals, or 

forever.

2021-APHIS-02034-F Scudder, Charles The Dallas Morning News 1/27/2021 2/25/2021 All APHIS Wildlife Services reports, documents, photographs and notes from Dec. 1, 2020 to present referring or 

relating to the investigation of the possible attack by a mountain lion of a person in Hood County, Texas which occurred 

on or about Dec. 2 or Dec. 3 2020. (Date Range for Record Search: From 12/01/2020 To 01/27/2021)

2021-APHIS-02035-F Scudder, Charles The Dallas Morning News 1/27/2021 2/25/2021 All emails from APHIS Wildlife Services employees referring or relating to the investigation of the possible attack by a 

mountain lion of a person in Hood County, Texas which occurred on or about Dec. 2 or Dec. 3 2020. (Date Range for 

Record Search: From 12/01/2020 To 01/27/2021)

2021-APHIS-01612-F Sutherland, Erin Animal Welfare Institute 1/5/2021 2/4/2021 This request is made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) by the Animal Welfare Institute 

(AWI), a nonprofit organizat on dedicated to reducing animal suffering. AWI respectfully requests informat on relating to 

APHIS’s administration of the Slaughter Horse Transportation Program for the calendar years 2019 and 2020. 

Documents/information of interest to AWI include: the number of enforcement actions taken, the number of fines 

imposed, and the amount of financial penalties imposed per v olation. AWI would also be interested in enforcement 

records or files about investigations conducted by the program. The defin tion of “records” should be construed to 

include, but not be limited to, e-mails, photos, videos, electronic recordings, word documents, summaries, referrals, 

reports, commun cat ons, and memoranda. Please provide the records in the format that will ensure the most 

immediate response— electronically, hardcopy, or CD-ROM.
2021-APHIS-01574-F Lang, Leonard - 1/5/2021 2/5/2021 E cert documentation that certifies New Zealand edible Lamb and Goat to enter the US and move to USDA FSIS. What 

does the certification state Lamb Livers The electronic certificate is sent from the government of New Zealand to USDA 

(government to government transmission) so edible products can enter the United States and move to USDA FSIS 

inspection. It certifies animal diseases for entry at the port and food safety requirements for FSIS. It replaced the paper 

certificate. Every shipment has a certificate or e certification. Ecert started 2012. It has not changed so all records 

should be the same. Just need to know what the current certificate certifies for APHIS animal disease wise.

2021-APHIS-01877-F McClain, Sierra Capital Press 1/21/2021 2/19/2021 Subject: How many full-time staff does USDA APHIS employ to regulate and govern live animal imports/exports? 

Timeline: deadline Jan. 22 by end-of-day I understand that USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Port Services staff and/or 

Live Animal Import and Export Un t staff are responsible for reviewing exporters' and importers' reports after a 

shipment to make sure rules were followed, etc. I am looking for the number of full-time or full-time equivalent staff 

are employed annually by USDA for this task. (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2020 To 01/01/2021)

2021-APHIS-01578-F Kick, Russ Rise for Animals [formerly 

NEAVS]

1/5/2021 2/4/2021 Please see attached letter. We are wr ting to request all appealed inspect on reports regarding any APHIS Class R, G, V

and F registrants created during November 2020. (Date Range for Record Search: From 11/01/2020 To 11/30/2020)

2021-APHIS-01582-F Kick, Russ Rise for Animals [formerly 

NEAVS]

1/5/2021 2/4/2021 Please see attached letter. We are wr ting to request all inspection photographs and v deos (in color and original 

resolut on) of any Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Class R, G, V, and/or F registrants created during 

November 2020. We voluntarily agree to have the following information redacted from responsive documents: room 

numbers, telephone numbers, the names of secondary individuals, financial information, and the names of members of 

the IACUC except for the Chair, Attending Veterinarian, and Institutional Off cial. If records which are responsive to this 

request are located in other USDA offices, please forward this request to all appropriate offices. (Date Range for Record 

Search: From 11/1/2020 To 11/30/2020)

2021-APHIS-01836-F Talamo, Lex Lady Freethinker 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Freedom of Informat on Act Request Letter From: Lex Talamo Reporter, Lady Freethinker lex@ladyfreethinker.org Jan. 

15, 2021 Dear Custodian of Records for the Department of Agriculture: This is a request under the Freedom of 

Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information, 

be prov ded to me: Any and all documents related to animal care v olations at Hellman Hill Kennel/Armstrong Kennel 

(Owned by Jennie Armstrong) in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, including but not limited to citations, inspection 

reports, cease and desist orders, license revocations, and citizen-referred complaints, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 

2020. In order to help to determine my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a representative of the news 

media affiliated with the nonprof t news outlet Lady Freethinker, and this request is made as part of news gathering and 

not for a commercial use. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested informat on to me is 

in the publ c interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities 

of the USDA in l censing and enforcement related to animal welfare, and also will help expose any untoward cruelty at 

certain facilities in Pennsylvania so people can be more informed consumers. Disclosure of this informat on is not 

primarily in my commercial interest. Please provide exped ted processing of this request, which concerns a matter of 

urgency. As a reporter, I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. The public has an urgent need for 

information about Pennsylvania's puppy mills as legislation addressing pet sales is coming up in legislative session. I 

certify that my statements concerning the need for expedited processing are true and correct to the best of my 

knowledge and belief. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Lex Talamo Lady Freethinker 818-208

8590 (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2018 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01971-F Gengler, Bethanie - 1/25/2021 2/23/2021 I would like to request all records of acquisition, disposition and transport of animals from Gene Wheeler/Special 

Memories Zoo (Certificate number: 35-B-0198) from 07/01/2019 to 07/29/2020. (Date Range for Record Search: From 

07/01/2019 To 07/29/2020)
2021-APHIS-01580-F Kick, Russ Rise for Animals [formerly 

NEAVS]

1/5/2021 2/4/2021 Please see attached letter. We are wr ting to request all Animal Care complaints regarding any Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service (APHIS) Class R, G, V, and/or F registrants completed during November 2020. We voluntarily agree 

to have the following information redacted from responsive documents: Room numbers, telephone numbers, the names 

of secondary individuals, financial information, and the names of members of the IACUC except for the Chair, Attending 

Veterinarian, and Institutional Off cial. If records which are responsive to this request are located in other USDA offices, 

please forward this request to all appropriate offices. (Date Range for Record Search: From 11/1/2020 To 11/30/2020)

2021-APHIS-01607-F Sutherland, Erin Animal Welfare Institute 1/5/2021 2/4/2021 This request is made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) by the Animal Welfare Institute 

(AWI), a nonprofit organizat on dedicated to ending animal suffering. I respectfully request any documents containing 

information related to the investigation and enforcement of violations of the Twenty-Eight Hour Law (49 U.S.C. § 

80502) for the calendar year of 2021. This includes any records, documents, summaries, referrals, reports, 

communications, and memoranda made by or sent to Veterinary Serv ces or Investigative and Enforcement Services. 

The definition of “records” should be construed to include, but not be limited to, e-mails, photos, videos, electronic 

recordings, and word documents. Please provide the records in the format that will ensure the most immediate 

response— electronically, hardcopy, or CD-ROM. Date range from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (Date Range 

for Record Search: From 1/1/2020 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01805-F Telusnord, Scate - 1/14/2021 2/16/2021 Entire personnel file of Carl Kiser (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2013 To 12/31/2018)

2021-APHIS-01913-F Collier, April Pacific Customs Broker, Inc. 1/21/2021 2/19/2021 We request that USDA prov de either printed or digital copies of the photographs, video and written information that 

were taken by USDA and/or CBP of the live insects of the family "Siricidae" that were extracted from the wood packing 

material in this shipment. EAN was issued 1/11/2021 at the port of Houston, TX. The associated Customs entry number 

was MK8-55741783. A copy of the EAN is attached. The importer and the shipper/exporter express that photographs of 

the pests in s tu will assist in both understanding of how and where the pests entered the packing material, and in 

driving corrective action with the original source of the packing material. The Pest ID notated on the EAN is 293136 | 

5301-6344066-DR01 | Siricidae. We have requested this information from Office Lopez at the Port of Houston, who 

advised us that a FOIA request must be made for the photographs, video and wr tten informat on. We hereby guarantee 

that any fees generated by this request will be pa d promptly by the requester.

2021-APHIS-01958-F Koncel, Mary - 1/25/2021 2/23/2021 This Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records is made by the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC), a 

nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about issues related to wild horses and burros. I. Records 

Requested This request is directed at obtaining an electron c copy of Internat onal Health Certificates issued by the 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture for Equus asinus (wild and 

domestic donkeys, asses, and burros) exported from the United States to other countries on international flights 

originating from airports in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. II. Provision of Documents We request that the 

information we seek be prov ded in electronic format and be provided to the below address as soon as possible. Please 

provide the records as they become available. If it is easier and more efficient to provide the requested document in 

paper form, please mail them to the AWHC address below. If you believe any portion of this request is exempt from 

disclosure, please provide a detailed descript on of each withheld document and the legal basis for withholding such 

document. If records are withheld because y (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2019 To 03/01/2021)
2021-APHIS-01959-F Koncel, Mary - 1/25/2021 2/23/2021 This Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records is made by the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC), a 

nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about issues related to wild horses and burros. I. Records 

Requested This request is directed at obtaining an electron c copy of Internat onal Health Certificates issued by the 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture for Equus caballus (wild and 

domestic horses ) exported from the United States to other countries on international flights originating from airports in 

New York, Ch cago, Miami, and Los Angeles. II. Provision of Documents We request that the information we seek be 

provided in electronic format and be provided to the below address as soon as possible. Please provide the records as 

they become available. If it is easier and more efficient to provide the requested document in paper form, please mail 

them to the AWHC address below. If you believe any portion of this request is exempt from disclosure, please provide a 

detailed description of each w thheld document and the legal basis for withholding such document. If records are 

w thheld because you believe that they are in part exempt from disclosure, then we request that non-exempt port ons 

be disclosed immediately. If you have any quest ons regarding any aspect of this request, please contact the 

undersigned by telephone or email in order to expedite timely disclosure. Please confirm receipt of this request by email 

or telephone number below. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, (Date Range for Record Search: 

From 01/01/2019 To 03/31/2021)

2021-APHIS-01632-F Del Balso, Denine Taft, Stettinius and Hollister 1/6/2021 2/5/2021 I would like to locate public records regarding a plane crash that occurred in Helenwood, TN on January 30, 2018 

involving David and Vicki Maxwell and the rescue/recovery efforts that occurred between January 30, 2018 and January 

31, 2018. Please let me know if you need any further information. Date Range for requested records January 30, 2018 

to October 29, 2020 (Date Range for Record Search: From 1/30/2018 To 10/29/2020)

2021-APHIS-01571-F Sutherland, Erin Animal Welfare Institute 1/4/2021 2/3/2021 This request is made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) by the Animal Welfare Institute 

(AWI), a nonprofit organizat on dedicated to ending animal suffering. On January 1, 2016, APHIS promulgated a final 

rule titled Exportation of Live Animals, Hatching Eggs, and Animal Germplasm from the United States (81 FR 2967). The 

rule went into effect on February 19, 2016. The final rule requires the owner or operator of any ocean vessel used to 

export livestock from the Un ted States to submit a written report to APHIS within 5 business days after completing the 

voyage. I respectfully request all Operator’s Reports and accompanying attachments submitted to APHIS for the 

calendar year of 2020. AWI is an educational nonprofit organization promoting the humane treatment of animals, 

including animals in agriculture. The information subject to this request will be used to inform and educate concerned 

individuals about the treatment of animals during transport. I respectfully request that you waive duplication fees and 

other costs associated with answering this request because the information disclosed is in the public interest and likely 

to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government.1 AWI has no 

intent on to use the informat on disclosed under this request for financial gain. In the event that you deny access to any 

of the requested records, please provide me with all reasonably segregable, non-exempt port ons of the relevant 

records. Add tionally, please describe the deleted material in detail, specify the statutory basis for the denial, and 

explain the basis for your belief that the material is exempt. I further request that you separately state your reasons for 

not invoking your discret onary powers to release the requested documents in the public interest. Finally, please notify 

me of any appeal procedures available under the law, as well as the off ce and address where such an appeal can be 

sent.

2021-APHIS-01720-F Jenkins, Peter Public Employees for 

Environmental Responsibility

1/11/2021 2/10/2021 Pursuant to the Freedom of lnformation Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, Publ c Employees for Environmental 

Responsibility (PEER), requests the following documents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant 

Health Inspection Service (APHIS), B otechnology Regulator Service (BRS): • All documents of any kind since May 23, 

2019, mentioning Roundup Ready genetically engineered (GE) wheat, in agricultural systems and/or in the food or seed 

supplies in any State. This includes, but is not limited to, any and all: Complaints by farmers; incident reports and 

notes; reports of unauthorized releases; investigation reports; summaries; compliance documents; remote sensing 

documents regarding GE wheat; compliance agreements; cooperative agreements; planning documents; permits; 

economic analyzes; internal emails and letters; and emails and letters to or from Monsanto, Bayer Co., and/or Bayer 

Crop Science regarding GE wheat since that date.
2021-APHIS-01828-F Sutherland, Erin Animal Welfare Institute 1/14/2021 2/16/2021 This request is made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) by the Animal Welfare Institute 

(AWI), a nonprofit organizat on dedicated to reducing animal suffering. AWI respectfully requests informat on relating to 

APHIS’s administration of the Slaughter Horse Transportation Program for the calendar years 2019 and 2020. 

Documents/information of interest to AWI include: records relating to monitoring efforts undertook by the program, 

health certificates obtained by the program, data collected by the program, or any other records relevant to gain an 

understanding of the program’s administration. No confidential information is sought through this request.

2021-APHIS-02057-F Dorman, Mandy Dorman, Bell & Kramer, LLP 1/28/2021 2/26/2021 Request a copy of all full time employees’ first, m ddle (if available) and last names, including their job title/position, 

their campus/office location, date of hire and email address.

2021-APHIS-01974-F Gengler, Bethanie - 1/25/2021 2/23/2021 I would like to request all records of acquisition, disposition and transport of animals from NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR 

RESCUED ANIMALS - Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge - TIGER MISSING LINK, INC. (Certificate number 74-C-0418) from 

01/01/2014 to 01/25/2021. (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2014 To 01/25/2021)

2021-APHIS-01577-F Kick, Russ Rise for Animals [formerly 

NEAVS]

1/5/2021 2/4/2021 Please see attached letter. We are wr ting to request all correspondence required by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) 

regulations regarding any Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Class R, G, V, and F registrants during 

November 2020, including notification of change of operation; notification of personnel change; requests to be placed 

on inactive status or to cancel registration; requests to review special circumstances for the use of an animal in more 

than one major operative procedure; requests to deviate from certain perimeter fence requirements; requests to house 

guinea pigs in outdoor facilities; requests to implement permanent tethering of dogs; contingency plans for water and 

power for marine mammal facilities; notificat ons when a protocol has been suspended by the IACUC; and/or notice of 

deficiencies or deviations discovered by an IACUC semiannual inspect on that remain uncorrected after notification and 

an opportunity for correction. We voluntarily agree to have the following information redacted from responsive 

documents: Room numbers, telephone numbers, the names of secondary individuals, financial information, and the 

names of members of the IACUC except for the Chair, Attending Veterinarian, and Institutional Official. (Date Range for 

Record Search: From 11/1/2020 To 11/30/2020)

2021-APHIS-01826-F Marshall, Teresa PETA Foundation 1/15/2021 2/17/2021 PETA requests: 1. All inspection report appeal requests, the inspection report under appeal, and the final inspect on 

report as a result of the appeal, for all licensees and registrants, from December 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020; 2. All 

written exchanges of information between agency personnel and records that document similar oral exchanges 

pertaining to the subject of the records specified above, as follows: ? Letters, faxes, and similar correspondence; ? 

Memoranda; ? Emails on government-issued and personal devices; ? Text messages on government-issued and 

personal dev ces; ? Messages on instant messaging applicat ons, including but not lim ted to Confide and Signal; ? 

Messages on social media accounts; and ? Notes of communications (e.g., notes of in-person conversations or telephone 

calls). 3. All wr tten exchanges of information to/from the licensees, registrants, or their representatives and records 

that document similar oral exchanges pertaining to the subject of the records specified above, as follows: ? Letters and 

faxes; ? Memoranda; ? Emails on government-issued or personal devices; ? Text messages on government-issued and 

personal dev ces; ? Messages on instant messaging applicat ons, including but not lim ted to Confide and Signal; ? 

Messages on social media accounts; and ? Notes of communications (e.g., notes of in-person conversations or telephone 

calls). (Date Range for Record Search: From 12/01/2020 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01579-F Kick, Russ Rise for Animals [formerly 

NEAVS]

1/5/2021 2/4/2021 Please see attached letter. We are wr ting to request all Applications for New L cense and Application for L cense 

Renewal regarding any Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Class R, G, V, and F registrants subm tted in 

November 2020. We voluntarily agree to have the following information redacted from responsive documents: Room 

numbers, telephone numbers, the names of secondary individuals, financial information, and the names of members of 

the IACUC except for the Chair, Attending Veterinarian, and Institutional Off cial. If records which are responsive to this 

request are located in other USDA offices, please forward this request to all appropriate offices. (Date Range for Record 

Search: From 11/1/2020 To 11/30/2020)
2021-APHIS-01837-F Talamo, Lex Lady Freethinker 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Freedom of Informat on Act Request Letter From: Lex Talamo Reporter, Lady Freethinker lex@ladyfreethinker.org Jan. 

15, 2021 Dear Custodian of Records for the Department of Agriculture: This is a request under the Freedom of 

Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information, 

be prov ded to me: Any and all documents related to animal care v olations at Hill Top Farm Kennel, Honey Brook 

(owned by Levi Kauffman) in Chester County, Pennsylvania, including but not limited to citations, inspection reports, 

cease and desist orders, license revocations, and citizen-referred complaints, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2020. In 

order to help to determine my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a representative of the news media 

affiliated with the nonprofit news outlet Lady Freethinker, and this request is made as part of news gathering and not 

for a commercial use. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested informat on to me is in 

the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of 

the USDA in l censing and enforcement related to animal welfare, and also will help expose any untoward cruelty at 

certain facilities in Pennsylvania so people can be more informed consumers. Disclosure of this informat on is not 

primarily in my commercial interest. Please provide exped ted processing of this request, which concerns a matter of 

urgency. As a reporter, I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. The public has an urgent need for 

information about Pennsylvania's puppy mills as legislation addressing pet sales is coming up in legislative session. I 

certify that my statements concerning the need for expedited processing are true and correct to the best of my 

knowledge and belief. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Lex Talamo Lady Freethinker 818-208

8590 (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2018 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01838-F Talamo, Lex Lady Freethinker 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Freedom of Informat on Act Request Letter From: Lex Talamo Reporter, Lady Freethinker lex@ladyfreethinker.org Jan. 

15, 2021 Dear Custodian of Records for the Department of Agriculture: This is a request under the Freedom of 

Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information, 

be prov ded to me: Any and all documents related to animal care v olations at Sunny Slope Kennels, Honey Brook 

(owned by Sam Kauffman) in Chester County, Pennsylvania, including but not limited to citations, inspect on reports, 

cease and desist orders, license revocations, and citizen-referred complaints, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2020. In 

order to help to determine my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a representative of the news media 

affiliated with the nonprofit news outlet Lady Freethinker, and this request is made as part of news gathering and not 

for a commercial use. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested informat on to me is in 

the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of 

the USDA in l censing and enforcement related to animal welfare, and also will help expose any untoward cruelty at 

certain facilities in Pennsylvania so people can be more informed consumers. Disclosure of this informat on is not 

primarily in my commercial interest. Please provide exped ted processing of this request, which concerns a matter of 

urgency. As a reporter, I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. The public has an urgent need for 

information about Pennsylvania's puppy mills as legislation addressing pet sales is coming up in legislative session. I 

certify that my statements concerning the need for expedited processing are true and correct to the best of my 

knowledge and belief. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Lex Talamo Lady Freethinker 818-208

8590 (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2018 To 12/31/2020)
2021-APHIS-01839-F Talamo, Lex Lady Freethinker 1/19/2021 2/18/2021 Freedom of Informat on Act Request Letter From: Lex Talamo Reporter, Lady Freethinker lex@ladyfreethinker.org Jan. 

15, 2021 Dear Custodian of Records for the Department of Agriculture: This is a request under the Freedom of 

Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information, 

be prov ded to me: Any and all documents related to animal care v olations at Eichenluft Working German Shepherds 

(Owned by Margaret Graf) in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, including but not limited to c tations, inspection 

reports, cease and desist orders, license revocations, and citizen-referred complaints, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 

2020. In order to help to determine my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a representative of the news 

media affiliated with the nonprof t news outlet Lady Freethinker, and this request is made as part of news gathering and 

not for a commercial use. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested informat on to me is 

in the publ c interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities 

of the USDA in l censing and enforcement related to animal welfare, and also will help expose any untoward cruelty at 

certain facilities in Pennsylvania so people can be more informed consumers. Disclosure of this informat on is not 

primarily in my commercial interest. Please provide exped ted processing of this request, which concerns a matter of 

urgency. As a reporter, I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. The public has an urgent need for 

information about Pennsylvania's puppy mills as legislation addressing pet sales is coming up in legislative session. I 

certify that my statements concerning the need for expedited processing are true and correct to the best of my 

knowledge and belief. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Lex Talamo Lady Freethinker 818-208

8590 (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2018 To 12/31/2020)

2021-APHIS-01973-F Gengler, Bethanie - 1/25/2021 2/23/2021 I would like to request all records of acquisition, disposition, transport of animals, deaths, births and veterinary care 

records from Jason Clay of East Texas Zoo and Gator Park and Franklin Drive Thru Safari (Certif cate number: 74-C0939) from 01/01/2020 to 12/31/2020. (Date Range for Record Search: From 01/01/2020 To 12/31/2020)