How to
file a formal complaint with USDA
Below are two sample letters you can use to file a
complaint with USDA against suspected illegal activity
involving the sale of dogs in the United States. Before
you send a letter, be sure you document all your facts and
make sure that your puppy actually came from an
unlicensed/illegal source. You should receive a standard
reply letter within two weeks that states USDA has
received your complaint and they will begin investigating.
I have never received a letter stating any action that was
taken, but usually when I call USDA I am told what (if
any) action was taken. Be sure to send your letter
certified return receipt.
Filing a complaint against a licensed facility
Today's Date
USDA/APHIS/AC
4700 River Road Unit 84
Riverdale MD 20737 –1234
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing to file a
formal complaint against the following licensed dog
dealers:
99-A-2222, Jane Doe, 1234 Any Street, Any Town, Any State,
23456-7890.
99-B-2222, John Doe, 4321 Any Street, Any Town, Any State,
09876-5432
My complaint is based on the following information: On or
around December 1st, 2000, Jane Doe sold a litter of
Labrador Retriever puppies to John Doe. These puppies were
not eight weeks of age at the time of sale and/or
transport.
Enclosed you will find a copy of the AKC papers, health
certificates and shot records. Note the date of birth on
the health certificates do not match the date of birth on
the AKC papers. I purchased two of these puppies at: My
Puppy-Your Puppy, 2222 Your Street, Your Town, Your State,
33333, on December 13th, 2000. You will see by the AKC
papers that I received with the puppies that at the time
of purchase, my two puppies were only 7 1/2 weeks old.
This leads me to believe that both the breeder and the
broker violated the Animal Welfare Act and this is why I
am filing this formal complaint.
If you need any additional information from me, please
feel free to contact me at the address and/or phone number
below. I would appreciate you keeping me apprised of the
situation and letting me know the outcome of my complaint.
Sincerely,
**Your Name**
**Your Address**
**Your Phone**
Asking for an investigation of an unlicensed facility
Today's Date
USDA/APHIS/AC
4700 River Road Unit 84
Riverdale MD 20737 –1234
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing to ask
that the following dog breeder be investigated to see if
they are conducting regulated activity under the Animal
Welfare Act, without a valid USDA license:
99-A-2222, Jane Doe, 1234 Any Street, Any Town, Any State,
23456-7890.
My complaint is based on the following information: On or
around December 1st, 2000, Jane Doe sold a litter of
Labrador Retriever puppies to John Doe, a USDA licensed
'B' Dealer.
On December 13, 2000, I purchased two of these puppies at:
My Puppy-Your Puppy, 2222 Your Street, Your Town, Your
State, 33333. I can not find an active USDA license for
Jane Doe and would like for your office to investigate to
see if she is in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
I have enclosed copies of my puppies' papers, as well the
sale bill from the pet shop. If you need any additional
information from me, please feel free to contact me at the
address and/or phone number below. I would appreciate you
keeping me apprised of the situation and letting me know
the outcome of my complaint.
Sincerely,
**Your Name**
**Your Address**
**Your Phone**
|
