Legislation Watch
So-called "Pet Safety Bills" don't protect pets but they do pose a threat to medical research. More information
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“Random Source” Defined
The term “random source” refers to animals that were not specifically bred for medical research. It does not mean, as some imply, that the animals came from shady sources. The more accurate term is “non-purpose bred,” to differentiate from animals that were bred and raised for research. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has strict rules outlining permissible sources for non-purpose bred animals.
The USDA has three categories of licenses for the commercial handling of animal species that are regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Class “A” dealers breed regulated species for commercial sales. Class “B” dealers buy, sell, or transport animals they did not breed or raise themselves—these animals are considered to come from “random sources.” Class “C” dealers hold licenses that permit them to exhibit regulated species. More than 1,200 individuals and businesses have Class “B” dealer licenses, but only about a dozen of them sell dogs and cats to research facilities.
The USDA APHIS Dealer Inspection Guide specifically states that Class “B” dealers are only permitted to obtain “random source” animals from:
- other USDA licensed dealers,
- State, county, or city owned and operated animal pounds or shelters
- humane groups and contract pounds organized as legal entities under the laws of their State
The USDA expressly forbids dealers from obtaining animals from a person who did not breed and raise the animal on his/her premises, obtaining animals by use of false pretenses, misrepresentation, or deception (i.e. answering “free to good home” ads) or obtaining animals from any source other than those listed above.