National Animal Identification System –
International Morab Breeders’ Association General Position Statement
The
NAIS (National Animal Identification System
http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/) in the US is proving to be an
extremely controversial program. Supporters and opponents are highly
polarized and becoming more so over time. Some are quite vocal in their
positions, while others seem resigned to accept the final outcome.
There
is a great deal of information, and misinformation, about NAIS. It is
very difficult for people and organizations to discern truth from
marketing rhetoric, reality from propaganda and reasonable doubt from
fear-mongering. Choosing a position is relatively easy. What is not as
easy is determining if one has truly chosen based on facts and full
understanding versus on gut reaction or persuasion?
The
NAIS may have some substantial benefits for portions of the livestock
industry – particularly large producers and “factory” farming.
Likewise, these areas of the industry tend to have the largest need for
food safety controls simply due to the quantities they produce and ship,
as well as the processes they employ in production. There are, however,
significant questions into the feasibility and necessity of NAIS for
other areas of agriculture and rural lifestyles – including small
producers, family farms and many segments of the equine industry. Many
claim the controls are onerous, unnecessary and designed to oppress and
force them out of business. People who keep a few animals for their own
purposes or solely for pleasure (such as horses) contend the NAIS
controls are impractical and will severely curtail their ability to keep
or enjoy their animals and companions.
At this
point, the NAIS program is fraught with difficulties – not the least of
which is its overall acceptance and general implementation. It remains
to be seen if it can even be made into a feasible, workable program.
Due
to the difficulties in obtaining reliable, unbiased information on NAIS,
as well as the wide variety of people and opinions that comprise our
membership, the IMBA currently chooses to remain neutral on NAIS. We do
not support; neither do we fully oppose. However, we do highly question
the NAIS in regards to equines, owners and the horse industry. We
intend to continue to observe and research the NAIS – making such
information available to our membership as appropriate. A more in depth
discussion, with a view to establishing an official Position, will occur
at the 2009 Annual Meeting (scheduled for November 7, 2009).
Government, Industry,
Opposition information
USDA
http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/
Equine
Species Working group (ESWG) - Equine Identification and NAIS
Information
http://www.equinespeciesworkinggroup.com/info.htm
Documents on NAIS and the Horse industry (editions 1 and 2) from the
ESWG
http://www.extension.umn.edu/horse/components/pdfs/NAISAnimal_IDInfoBooklet.pdf
http://www.michiganhorsecouncil.com/NAIS%20and%20Horses%20booklet%20-%202nd%20Edition.pdf
American Horse Council
(stated
deferment to the ESWG)
AHC –
Legislative Issues & Policies - Federal Legislation On Animal
Identification
http://horsecouncil.org/legislation/animalid.php
AHC –
Equine Health and Federal Regulatory Issues
http://horsecouncil.org/health.php
American Veterinary Association
http://www.avma.org/press/releases/081218_NAIS.asp
Farm
and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA)
http://www.farmandranchfreedom.org/content/association-positions
FARFA -
Focus on Horses
http://www.farmandranchfreedom.org/content/Horses-and-NAIS
Equine Associations:
American Morgan Horse Association
-
Up-to-date information (2009) on website – does not state a position in
favor or against
- Action is on monitoring the program and providing information to
members
- No intention to record AIN or require premise information to register
- Repeating USDA and ESWG information - Maintains belief the program is
voluntary
http://www.morganhorse.com/news_events/latest_news/amha_and_the_national_animal_identification_s/
Appaloosa Horse Club
- No
obvious Position statement on their website.
- Set of minutes from 2006 show a Motion to:
“approve
a policy concerning the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
that (i) recognizes the use of microchips as viable identification
devices beneficial to the equine industry and (ii) expresses concern
that the tracking and premises identification components of NAIS could
seriously impact the commerce and rights of use of Appaloosa horses,
specifically, and the equine industry as a whole.”
http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/SummaryofMotions07_09_06.pdf See
motion 28-07-06, page 30.
- Also a 2006 newsletter contains a brief note regarding micro chipping
and touching on NAIS
AQHA
- No
obvious Position statement on their website.
- Note in a newsletter from 2005 repeats government information and
indicates horse people should find out more for themselves
http://www.aqha.com/showing/QTalk/2005/qtalk_sept19_25.html
Arabian
Horse Association
- The
Association does not provide a position in favour or against NAIS.
- States that it does not plan to require NAIS as part of its
registration.
- Repeats information of the USDA and the Equine Species Working Group.
http://www.arabianhorses.org/registration/news/reg_news_080130.asp
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