Source: https://www.animallaw.info/case/us-v-korn
Timestamp: 2020-06-06 14:17:19
Document Index: 550449355

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2149', '§ 554', '§ 2146', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2149', '§ 2149', '§ 2149', '§ 2149', '§ 2149', '§ 2149', '§ 2149']

U.S. v. Korn | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Full Case Name: Michael S. KORN, Jerry L. Korn, and for the Birds, Inc., Defendants.
Country of Origin: United States Court Name: United States District Court, D. Idaho. Primary Citation: 2010 WL 5110048 (D. Idaho Dec. 2010) Date of Decision: Monday, December 6, 2010 Judge Name: CANDY W. DALE, United States Chief Magistrate Judge. Jurisdiction Level: Federal Alternate Citation: Not Reported in F.Supp.2d Judges: CANDY W. DALE, United States Chief Magistrate Judge. Attorneys: Amy S. Howe, US Attorney's Office, Boise, ID, for Plaintiff. Clinton S. Coddington, Coddington Law, PC, Boise, ID, for Defendants. Docket Num: No. 1:09–CV–537–CWD.
Summary: The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”) brought an administrative action against Defendants for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act in connection with Defendants' exotic animal exhibition activities. A judgment was entered for a civil penalty of $57,750 against each Defendant in the administrative action. Defendants have refused to pay, claiming that their due process rights were violated in the underlying administrative proceeding; the judgment, they argued, was therefore void and unenforceable. The United States filed this matter against Defendants seeking to enforce that judgment. Before this Court were the cross-motions for summary judgment. Plaintiff’s motion was granted because the Court could not overlook Defendant's absence of any effort to follow up with the Hearing Clerk, considering the many avenues of communication available. There were also no disputed issues of material fact concerning service of the Administrative Law Judge's Decision and Order, and provision of notice of Defendants' appeal rights. Moreover, this Court lacked jurisdiction to reconsider or otherwise vacate the Agency's final order. 7 U.S.C. § 2149(b) also permitted the institution of a civil action by the Attorney General to collect the penalty imposed and no other facts were presented disputing the validity of the administrative judgment imposing the civil penalty.
CANDY W. DALE, United States Chief Magistrate Judge.
*1 The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”) brought an administrative action against Defendants Michael and Jerry Korn and their corporation, For the Birds, Inc., on or about January 11, 2006, for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act in connection with Defendants' exotic animal exhibition activities. A judgment was entered for a civil penalty of $57,750 against each defendant in the administrative action. The United States filed this matter against Defendants seeking to enforce that judgment. Defendants have refused to pay, claiming that their due process rights were violated in the underlying administrative proceeding, and arguing the judgment is therefore void and unenforceable.
Before the Court are the cross-motions for summary judgment filed by the parties on May 21, 2010 (Dkt.30), and June 16, 2010 (Dkt.36). The matters are fully briefed and ripe for the Court's review. The Court has reviewed the parties' briefing and the record, determined that oral argument will not significantly aid in this decision, and for the reasons discussed below, will deny Defendants' motion and grant Plaintiff's motion.
The following facts, unless otherwise noted, are undisputed.
On or about January 11, 2006, APHIS filed an administrative complaint against Defendants for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Colleen A. Carroll represented APHIS in the administrative proceedings. On January 12, 2006, the USDA's Office of the Hearing Clerk sent copies of the administrative complaint to Defendants. The hearing clerk's letter advised Defendants that they must notify the hearing clerk of any address changes, and that failure to do so may result in judgment being entered against them without their knowledge. (Decl. of Carroll ¶ 4, Dkt. 42–1.)
On October 1, 2006, For the Birds, Inc. filed an answer in the administrative proceeding. (Decl. of Howe Ex. K, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 5, Dkt. 42–1.) The answer identified 6999 Little Willow Road, Payette, Idaho 83661 as the mailing address for For the Birds and Michael Korn. On October 1, 2007, the hearing clerk acknowledged receipt of For the Birds's answer, which was filed and prepared by Mr. Raymond Willis, and notified Mr. Willis that service of any notices or other papers would be sent to Mr. Willis at the Little Willow Road address. (Decl. of Howe Ex. K, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1.) Defendants Michael and Jerry Korn filed an answer through their attorney, Mr. John Bujak, on October 1, 2007, without specifically identifying their correct address. (Decl. of Carroll ¶ 5, Dkt. 42–1; Aff. of Coddington ¶ 6, Ex. D, Dkt. 40.)
On April 1, 2008, Mr. Bujak, who was then counsel for the Korns and For the Birds, filed a notice of withdrawal. (Decl. of Howe Ex. C, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 6, Dkt. 42–1.) The notice of withdrawal gave the last known contact information for each of the defendants, identifying Michael Korn's address as 16386 Franklin Rd., Apt. C–11, Nampa, Idaho 83687, and both For the Birds and Jerry Korn's address as 6999 Little Willow Road, Payette, Idaho 83661.
*2 On April 2, 2008, Administrative Law Judge Jill S. Clifton prepared and served an Acknowledgment of Withdrawal by Respondents' Counsel allowing for counsel's withdrawal. (Decl. of Howe Ex. G, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1.) The Acknowledgment indicated that For the Birds would now be represented by Mr. Willis, and Jerry and Michael Korn would be representing themselves pro se. Further, the Acknowledgment reminded the parties that a hearing was scheduled to begin on April 29, 2008, in Boise, Idaho, and that March 26, 2008, was the deadline for disclosure of witnesses and exhibits. The Acknowledgment instructed the respondents to communicate with Counsel for APHIS Colleen Carroll at the following address:
Office of the General Counsel, Marketing Division
Attn.: Colleen A. Carroll, Esq.
South Building, Room 2343, Stop 1417
Washington, D.C. 20250–1417
Ms. Carroll's e-mail address and phone number were also included, noted as “ColleenA.Carroll@usda.gov” with a phone number of “202.720.6430.” The Acknowledgment correctly identified Ms. Carroll's office address, fax number, and telephone number, but incorrectly identified Ms. Carroll's e-mail address. (Decl. of Carroll ¶ 22, Dkt. 42–1.)
In addition to Ms. Carroll's contact information, the Acknowledgment included phone and e-mail contact information for Administrative Law Judge Clifton, and the address of the hearing clerk's office in Washington, D.C. That contact information was as follows:
Room 1031, South Building
Washington, DC 20250–9203
(Decl. of Howe Ex. J, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1 .)
Mr. Willis alleges that he telephoned Ms. Carroll on April 8, 2008, and again on April 10, 2008, to request a continuance of the hearing scheduled for April 29, 2008. (Aff. of Willis ¶ 6–8, Dkt. 39.) In addition, Mr. Willis alleges that he emailed Ms. Carroll at “colleenA.carroll@usda.gov” requesting a continuance, and that the e-mail appeared to have been sent. (Aff. of Willis ¶ 9, Ex. D, Dkt. 39.) Ms. Carroll has confirmed that she did not receive the e-mail but that she spoke to Mr. Willis, and does not recall him specifically requesting a continuance. (Decl. of Carroll ¶ 8–15 Dkt. 42–2.)
Finally, Mr. Willis attests that he wrote a letter to Ms. Carroll confirming his understanding that Ms. Carroll did not oppose a continuance, and enclosed three copies of a request for a continuance directed to ALJ Clifton's attention. (Aff. of Willis ¶ 10, Dkt. 39.) The request for continuance was sent via Fed–Ex on April 23, 2008, to ALJ Clifton at the following address:
Room 2343, Stop 1417
(Aff. of Willis ¶ 10, Ex. E, Dkt. 39.) This address is not the same as the address for the Office of the Hearing Clerk noted on the Acknowledgment prepared and sent by ALJ Clifton, as it has a different room number. But, the address is the same address given for Ms. Carroll on the Acknowledgment. Nevertheless, the Fed Ex envelope was returned to Mr. Willis's assistant in Kentucky on April 29, 2008. (Aff. of Willis ¶ 11 Dkt. 39.)
*3 The hearing was conducted as scheduled on April 29, 2010. ALJ Clifton prepared and issued a Decision and Order on April 29, 2008. (Decl. of Howe Ex. A, Dkt. 30–3; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1.) Included with a copy of the Decision and Order was a notice that it would become final within thirty-five days after service if no appeal was filed. (Decl. of Howe Ex. L, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1.) The Decision and Order was mailed via certified mail on April 29, 2008, to Jerry Korn and For the Birds, Inc. to 6999 Little Willow Road, Payette, ID 83661, and to Michael Korn at 16386 Franklin Rd. Apt. C–11, Nampa, ID 83687. (Decl. of Howe Ex. E, L, Dkt. 30–5; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1.) The certified mailing to Michael Korn was received at the Franklin Road address on May 3, 3008. (Decl. of Carroll Ex. D at 2, Dkt. 42–2.) The two certified mailings to For the Birds and Jerry Korn were returned, with the envelope to For the Birds marked as “return to sender,” and the envelope to Jerry Korn marked as “unclaimed.” (Decl. of Carroll Ex. D at 2–7, Dkt. 42–2.)
When the certified mail was returned, Acting Hearing Clerk Whitfield issued a Notice of Unsuccessful Service on May 30, 2008. (Decl. of Howe Ex. F, Dkt. 30–3; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3.) The Notice indicated that the mail was returned, and instructed counsel to effect service “by other means authorized by the rules.” (Id .)
On June 20, 2008, ALJ Clifton issued a ruling regarding service, indicating that the unclaimed notification triggered “remailing by ordinary mail” to the last known address of record. (Decl. of Howe Ex. D, Dkt. 30–3; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3 Dkt. 42–1.) The ALJ's decision and letter regarding appeal rights was remailed to For the Birds and Jerry Korn at the Payette Road address by regular mail on June 3, 2008, and June 20, 2008, respectively. (Decl. of Carroll Ex. D at 8–9, Dkt. 42–2.) The document distribution forms kept in the administrative file did not indicate that the remailing to Messrs. Willis and Korn was returned to the Office of the Hearing Clerk. (Id.)
No appeal was ever received, and a Notice of Effective Date of the decision was prepared and mailed on November 26, 2008. (Decl. of Howe Ex. B, Dkt. 30–3; Decl. of Carroll ¶ 3, Dkt. 42–1.) The defendants were notified that the ALJ's decision became final and effective on July 25, 2008.
In the Answer filed in this matter, For the Birds indicated its mailing address was 6999 Little Willow Road, Payette, Idaho 83661. (Dkt.9.) The address of For the Birds in this matter is the same address it provided in the administrative hearing before ALJ Clifton.
1. Objection to Howe Declaration
In support of its motion for summary judgment, the United States submitted the Declaration of Assistant United States Attorney Amy Howe, (Dkt.30–2), which attached what were represented as true and correct copies of pleadings from the underlying agency file in the administrative proceeding against Defendants. Defendants filed an objection to the declaration, (Dkt.31), arguing that Ms. Howe lacked personal knowledge, and that the documents, specifically Exhibits A, B, D, J, and L, from the agency file were inadmissible based upon her testimony.
*4 In response, the United States submitted the Declaration of Colleen A. Carroll, the trial attorney who represented APHIS in the administrative enforcement proceedings against Defendants. Ms. Carroll represented she had firsthand knowledge of the facts, and that the documents attached to the Declaration of Howe, specifically Exhibits A, B, C, D, F, G, I, J, K, and L, were from her own personal files. Defendant did not object to the Carroll Declaration.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e)(1)1 requires supporting or opposing affidavits to be made on personal knowledge, to set out facts that would be admissible in evidence, and to show that the affiant is competent to testify on the matters stated. Any deficiencies in Ms. Howe's declaration based upon Defendants' objection that she lacked personal knowledge are overcome by the Carroll Declaration, as Ms. Carroll had personal knowledge of the underlying proceedings by virtue of her role as the attorney for APHIS and her participation in the administrative proceedings. See Fed.R.Evid. 602.
With respect to the documents attached to the Howe Declaration, Ms. Howe's and Ms. Carroll's testimony satisfy the evidentiary requirement for admissibility of public records or reports. Fed.R.Evid. 901(b)(7). Rule 901(a) permits evidence to be authenticated by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what its proponent claims. When the evidence at issue consists of public records, evidence that a writing “authorized by law to be recorded or filed and in fact recorded or filed in a public office, or a purported public record ... in any form, is from the public office where items of this nature are kept,” is sufficient to authenticate the document.
In the instant case, Ms. Carroll testified that Exhibits A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L were contained in her official legal files as part of the administrative action against Defendants. As the attorney participating in the administrative proceedings, Ms. Carroll would have received these documents from or filed them with the identified agency as part of the public record kept by the agency. In addition, Ms. Howe testified that the attached exhibits A through L were copies of pleadings obtained from the Agency File, AWA Dkt. No. 06–005. All twelve exhibits bear identification of or the caption for In re For the Birds, Inc., et. al., AWA Dkt. No. 06–005, in and for the United States Department of Agriculture, before the Secretary of Agriculture.
Based upon the above testimony, the exhibits are admissible and Defendants' objection is overruled.
Motions for summary judgment are governed by Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c)(2), which provides, in pertinent part, that judgment “should be rendered if the pleadings, the discovery and disclosure materials on file, and any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c)(2). A moving party may show that no genuine issue of material fact exists by demonstrating that “there is an absence of evidence to support the non-moving party's case.” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 325, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). Once the moving party meets the requirement of Rule 56 by either showing that no genuine issue of material fact remains or that there is an absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party's case, the burden shifts to the party resisting the motion who “must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 256, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). It is not enough for the [nonmoving] party to “rest on mere allegations or denials of his pleadings.” Id. Genuine factual issues must exist that “can be resolved only by a finder of fact because they may reasonably be resolved in favor of either party.” Id. at 250.
*5 In determining whether a genuine issue of material fact exists, facts and inferences must be viewed most favorably to the non-moving party. To deny the motion, the court need only conclude that a result other than that proposed by the moving party is possible under the facts and applicable law. Aronsen v. Crown Zellerbach, 662 F.2d 584, 591 (9th Cir.1981). The Ninth Circuit has emphasized that summary judgment may not be avoided merely because there is some purported factual dispute, but only when there is a “genuine issue of material fact.” Hanon v. Dataproducts Corp., 976 F.2d 497, 500 (9th Cir.1992).
The Ninth Circuit has found that, to resist a motion for summary judgment, the non-moving party:
British Motor Car Distrib. Ltd. v. San Francisco Automotive Indus. Welfare Fund, 882 F.2d 371, 374 (9th Cir.1989). When the parties file cross-motions for summary judgment, the Court has a responsibility to evaluate the evidence submitted in support of each motion, and determine whether disputed issues of material fact are present. Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc. v. Riverside Two, 249 F.3d 1132, 1136 (9th Cir.2001).
B. Due Process Was Afforded to Defendants
The first ground upon which Defendants attack the enforcement proceedings in this matter is their claim that they were denied due process in the underlying administrative proceeding, rendering ALJ Clifton's decision and order unenforceable. Defendants allege they requested a continuance, were deprived of doing so because the address they sent the request to was incorrect, and therefore they had good cause for failing to appear at the April 29, 2008 hearing. Further, Defendants argue that service of the final decision and order by certified mail, which was returned, and later by regular mail, was insufficient to afford them due process. Defendants claim they were entitled to personal service of the decision and order.
The Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment forbids the federal government from depriving persons of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Clouser v. Espy, 42 F.3d 1522, 1540 (9th Cir.1994). Under the Administrative Procedure Act, parties subject to adjudications before an agency are entitled to a hearing and decision on notice. 5 U.S.C. § 554(a), (c). The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture is given the power to administer and enforce the Animal Welfare Act, and upon notice and an opportunity for hearing, may assess civil penalties for a violation of the Act. 7 U.S.C. §§ 2146, 2149(b). To pass constitutional muster, notice must be “reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise interested parties of the pendency of the action and afford them an opportunity to present their objections.” Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 U.S. 306, 314, 70 S.Ct. 652, 94 L.Ed. 865 (1950).
*6 Rules governing administrative enforcement proceedings before the Secretary of Agriculture are found at Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 7 C.F.R. § 1.147(c) indicates that service of any complaint, document, or proposed or final decision
if specifically ordered by the Judge to be served by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to be received by any party to a proceeding, ... on the date of delivery by certified or registered mail to the last known principal place of business of such party, last known principal place of business of the attorney or representative of record of such party, or last known residence of such party if an individual, provided that, if any such document or paper is sent by certified or registered mail but is returned marked by the postal service as unclaimed or refused, it shall be deemed to be received by such party on the date of remailing by ordinary mail to the same address.
A written decision must be served as provided in § 1.147. 7 C.F.R. 1.42(c)(3). Proof of such service may be shown by a certified mail receipt returned by the postal service with a signature, or an entry on a docket record or a copy placed in a docket file by the Hearing Clerk of the department. 7 C.F.R. 1.147(e)(1), (3).
In the instant case, the Court finds the material facts to be undisputed that Defendants received all the process they were due. For the Birds filed an answer on October 1, 2006, identifying 6999 Little Willow Road in Payette as its mailing address. The Little Willow Road address is the same address it identified in this matter. The Defendants' attorney subsequently filed an answer on behalf of all three Defendants on October 1, 2007. In the answer, there was no contention that Defendants had not received any previous mailing. On April 1, 2008, Defendants' attorney provided the last known address for all three Defendants in his notice of withdrawal. On April 2, 2008, the Hearing Officer notified all three Defendants of the upcoming April 29, 2008 hearing at the mailing addresses provided by their attorney.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Willis's communications on behalf of all three Defendants, both via e-mail and by overnight mail on April 23, 2008, requesting a continuance of the hearing did not reach either Ms. Carroll or the Hearing Officer, and that he was given the wrong e-mail address for Ms. Carroll. But, there is no contention by any Defendant that they were not notified or aware of the April 29, 2008 hearing date. Had they been unaware of the hearing date, there would have been no reason to have sent a request for a continuance on April 23, 2008.
While it is troubling that Defendants received incorrect information about Ms. Carroll's e-mail address, and possibly did not understand how to properly file documents in the administrative proceeding, Defendants chose not to appear at the hearing. Defendants' choice was made in the absence of confirmation from either Ms. Carroll or ALJ Clifton responding to Mr. Willis's e-mail or the overnight mailing that the hearing had been postponed. Yet Defendants had, at their disposal, an e-mail address for the ALJ, contact information for the Office of the Hearing Clerk, telephone numbers, and facsimile numbers. Mr. Willis appeared to be acting on Defendants' behalf and responding to all communications. But Defendants chose not to avail themselves of any other form of communication with either Ms. Carroll, the ALJ, or the Office of the Hearing Clerk either prior to the hearing, the day of the hearing, or thereafter to discover what had happened, or to inquire about the status of the request for continuance.
*7 Not having received any written request for a continuance, the ALJ proceeded with the hearing, and issued a written opinion. According to the Hearing Clerk's docket records, the ALJ's decision and order, as well as the letter informing Defendants of their appeal rights, was mailed via certified mail to Defendants' addresses of record on April 29, 2008. The certified letter mailed to Michael Korn was received by someone at the Franklin Road address on May 3, 2008 according to the certified mail receipt. According to 7 C.F.R. § 1.147(e)(1), the certified mail receipt is adequate proof of service.
Meanwhile, both certified mailings addressed to For the Birds and to Jerry Korn at the Little Willow Road address were returned. The certified mail addressed to Jerry Korn was marked as “unclaimed,”2 while the certified mail addressed to For the Birds at the same address was stamped “return to sender.” The Hearing Clerk's docket records indicate the ALJ's decision and order as well as the letter with information about appeal rights were remailed via regular mail on June 3, 2008, to For the Birds at the Little Willow Road address, and remailed via regular mail to Jerry Korn on June 20, 2008. All three Defendants also received a copy of the ALJ's ruling regarding service by regular mail on June 20, 2008.
According to 7 C.F.R. § 1.147(e)(3), the Hearing Clerk's entry on the docket record of the mailing by regular mail constitutes proof of service. Despite Defendants' contention that they were denied due process because their request for continuance went unheeded and personal service should have been effected rather than service by mail, there is no evidence that Defendants did not receive the June 3rd, or June 20th mailings sent by regular mail, and therefore no disputed issue of fact. Defendants chose not to respond.
The United States Supreme Court has “repeatedly recognized that mail service is an inexpensive and efficient mechanism that is reasonably calculated to provide actual notice.” Tulsa Professional Collection Servs., Inc. v. Pope, 485 U.S. 478, 490, 108 S.Ct. 1340, 99 L.Ed.2d 565 (1988). In addition, the Supreme Court has not required that, after a failed attempt at certified mail, personal service is the required alternative. Rather, in Jones v. Flowers, 547 U.S. 220, 237, 126 S.Ct. 1708, 164 L.Ed.2d 415 (2006), the Supreme Court indicated that when the government learns its notice via certified mail is returned as unclaimed, it must follow up, but stopped short of requiring personal service. Instead, the Supreme Court commented that follow up could be accomplished by regular mail, such that a signature was not required; posting notice on the front door; or addressing the undelivered mail to “occupant.”Jones, 547 U.S. at 234–235. The Jones court left the mechanism of such follow up to the state or agency attempting service. Here, the ALJ's decision, as well as its ruling regarding service, was remailed to all three defendants via regular mail after being either unclaimed or returned. Under Jones, such notice was adequate.
*8 As for Defendants' failure to appear at the hearing, there was no effect on their subsequent right to appeal the ruling. Although a respondent who, after being duly notified, “fails to appear at the hearing without good cause, shall be deemed to have waived the right to an oral hearing,” the failure to appear does not constitute a waiver of the right to appeal a final order and to appear and request oral argument. 7 C.F.R. 1.141(e). A party who disagrees with the final decision may, within 30 days after receiving the decision, file a written appeal with the Hearing Clerk. 7 C.F.R. § 1.145(a). The decision becomes final and effective 35 days after the date of service unless an appeal is filed pursuant to § 1.145. 7 C.F.R. § 1.42(c)(4).
In this case, despite there being no factual contention, and therefore no disputed issue of material fact, that Defendants did not receive copies of ALJ Clifton's decision and order as well as the notice of their appeal rights, Defendants failed to exercise their right to appeal. Moreover, Defendants have cited no authority showing that the Department of Agriculture's administrative procedures related to service, and the associated appeal rights, do not conform with procedural due process requirements. See Clouser v. Espy,42 F.3d 1522, 1541 (9th Cir.1994) (affirming summary judgment when plaintiffs could not show that failure by Forest Service to provide evidentiary hearing deprived them of due process rights). The Court therefore finds there is no disputed issue of material fact that precludes summary judgment concerning Defendants' receipt of notice.
Although the parties did not raise the issue of jurisdiction, it bears mention because it is doubtful the Court has jurisdiction to void ALJ Clifton's decision and order. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(h)(3) (the court may at any time determine it lacks subject-matter jurisdiction). Defendants seek to collaterally attack the ALJ's order, and would have this Court invalidate it. However, the order of the Secretary assessing a penalty “shall be final and conclusive unless the affected person files an appeal from the Secretary's order with the appropriate United States Court of Appeals.” 7 U.S.C. § 2149(b). Upon any failure by a person to pay a penalty assessed under 7 U.S.C. § 2149(b), a civil action may be commenced in any United States district court in which such person is found or resides. 7 U.S.C. § 2149(b). Any dealer aggrieved by a final order issued pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2149 may, “within 60 days after entry of such an order, seek review of such order in the appropriate United States Court of Appeals ... and such court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin, set aside, suspend (in whole or in part), or to determine the validity of the Secretary's order.” 7 U.S.C. § 2149(c).
In the absence of facts suggesting otherwise, there is no dispute that Defendants failed to exercise their appeal rights within the 60 day time period. The Animal Welfare Act indicates that the Court of Appeals, not this Court, has “exclusive” jurisdiction to set aside or determine the validity of the order. Accordingly, the Court lacks jurisdiction to “void” or set aside ALJ Clifton's order.
D. Rule 56(f) and Rule 60(b)
*9 Finally, Defendants in their reply have requested a continuance of these proceedings under Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(f), or relief from the ALJ's order under Fed.R.Civ.P. 60(b). Neither rule applies in this case.
First, with respect to Rule 56(f), a party opposing a motion for summary judgment may, if he establishes by affidavit that for specified reasons he cannot present facts essential to justify his opposition, seek a continuance to enable affidavits to be obtained or discovery to be undertaken. The rule requires “(a) a timely application which (b) specifically identifies (c) relevant information, (d) where there is some basis for believing that the information sought actually exists.” Sultana Resources, LLC v. Trio Gold Co., No. CV–06–625–BLW, 2007 WL 2993849, at *1 (D.Idaho Oct.11, 2007) (quoting Employers Teamsters Local Nos. 175 & 505 Pension Trust Fund v. Clorox Co., 353 F.3d 1125, 1129 (9th Cir.2004)). The party submitting the Rule 56(f) motion bears the burden of showing sufficient facts establishing that the evidence sought exists and that the evidence would prevent summary judgment.Sultana, 2007 WL 2993849 at *1. “Mere hope that further evidence will develop prior to trial is insufficient.” Id.
It is generally accepted in the Ninth Circuit that, where a summary judgment motion is filed early in the litigation and a party has not had a realistic opportunity to pursue discovery relating to its theory of the case, the court should freely grant a Rule 56(f) motion.Mangum v. Action Collection Serv., Inc., No. CV–05–507–BLW, 2006 WL 2224067, at *1 (D.Idaho Aug.2, 2006). See also Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Ry. Co. v. The Assiniboine, 323 F.3d 767, 774 (9th Cir.2003) (where no discovery has taken place “the party making a Rule 56(f) motion cannot be expected to frame its motion with great specificity as to the kind of discovery likely to turn up useful information, as the ground for such specificity has not yet been laid.”) Nevertheless, a district court does not abuse its discretion by denying a Rule 56(f) motion where the proposed discovery would be futile. Mangum, 2006 WL 2224067 at *1.
Defendants contend that discovery is necessary to obtain phone records from Ms. Carroll, obtain hearing transcripts and tapes, examine original documents, and to verify that Jerry Korn did not appear at the hearing as represented in ALJ Clifton's Ruling Regarding Service. (See Reply Brief at 5, Dkt. 43, citing Decl. of Howe Ex. D.) Notwithstanding the fact that Defendants did not present an application setting forth with specificity why the requested discovery is relevant, the requested discovery would be futile. The Court has, on the basis of the record before it, concluded that the relevant facts are Defendants' failure to contact the Hearing Clerk, the ALJ, or Ms. Carroll after the April 29th hearing having not received confirmation of a continuance, or to otherwise respond to the mailings sent to their addresses of record. The Little Willow Road address provided by Mr. Willis in the underlying administrative proceeding is the same address the Court has for For the Birds in this proceeding. The certified mailing was received by someone at the address of record for Michael Korn. Defendants do not deny receiving a copy of ALJ Clifton's decision and order, or the letter setting forth their appeal rights. There is no evidence that Defendants exercised their appeal rights, or otherwise asked for reconsideration of the order. Accordingly, the order became final, and any additional discovery at this time would be futile.
*10 Second, concerning Rule 60(b), pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 1, application of Rule 60(b) is confined to the United States District Courts. Moreover, 7 C.F.R. 1.145(i) permits the Judicial Officer to change or modify a prior decision after due consideration of the record. And 7 C.F.R. 1.146(a) permits parties to petition to rehear or reargue the proceedings, or to reconsider the decision.Fed.R.Civ.P. 60(b) is therefore inapplicable because the administrative rules provide a mechanism for granting relief from an order.See Kirk v. U.S.I.N.S., 927 F.3d 1106, 1109 (9th Cir.1991) (holding that, in the immigration context, where an administrative rule permitted modifying or vacating an ALJ's order, Rule 60(b) was inapplicable because the administrative rules provided a mechanism for vacating a judgment).
While the events that transpired from Defendants' perspective may seem unfair, the Court cannot overlook the absence of any effort to follow up with the Hearing Clerk, ALJ Clifton, or Ms. Carroll utilizing one of the many avenues of communication available. Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment will be denied, as there are no disputed issues of material fact concerning service of the ALJ's Decision and Order, and provision of notice of Defendants' appeal rights. Moreover, this Court lacks jurisdiction to reconsider or otherwise vacate the Agency's final order. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2149(c), the agency's order became final when it was not appealed within 60 days of its entry. 7 U.S.C. § 2149(b) permits institution of a civil action by the Attorney General to collect the penalty imposed. No other facts were presented disputing the validity of the administrative judgment imposing the civil penalty. Therefore, Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment will be granted.
1) Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. No. 30) is GRANTED.
2) Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. No. 36) is DENIED.
Plaintiff is directed to prepare an appropriate form of judgment for entry by the Court.
Not Reported in F.Supp.2d, 2010 WL 5110048
[FN 1] The Rules of Civil Procedure were amended effective December 1, 2010. Because the motions were filed prior to the effective date of the change, the Court relies upon the text of the Rules applicable prior to December 1, 2010.
[FN 2] Defendants apparently dispute that the certified mail was marked as “unclaimed.” (Reply at 3, Dkt. 43.) The envelope is clearly marked as “unclaimed.”