I just became aware of a set of regulations being foisted upon us by the United States Department of Agriculture. If they become law anyone who owns a livestock animal in the United States will be required to register (and receive a federal ID number) their place of residence with the USDA, then register any livestock they own with the same agency (each animal will also receive a federal ID number).

Each animal will receive an implant or ear tag (which the owner will pay for) with a radio frequency device that can be monitored from a distance. (No need for a search warrant?) Livestock animals include horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, rabbits, chickens, fish—any animal used for human consumption. Horses are included even though we don’t (usually!) eat them.

Any time one of the registered animals leaves your property it must be reported to the government within 48 hours. That includes taking a trail ride on your horse, showing animals at the county fair, butchering the animal (even if it’s for your own use), or if the animal escapes or is stolen. You will have 48 hours to report the birth or death of an animal, as well.

There are unspecified consequences for failure to comply. Presumably these will entail fines and/or confiscation of the animal. The only exception for not registering your animals is if they never leave your property during their lifetime. (Although it is assumed that if they escape or are stolen you will be held responsible for non-compliance.)

At first I thought this was a hoax, but I went to the USDA website and typed in a search for NAIS (National Animal Identification System) and there it was, glorified with praise about how much safer our food supply will be once it is fully implemented. The USDA is already offering cash incentives for states and tribes to put it into effect immediately (which Wisconsin is attempting to do right now).

I am deeply incensed by this and hope it has the same effect upon you. I urge you to check it out and put the word out as soon as possible so the we can get enough people mobilized to get it stopped. I hope there will be enough public outcry to end it once and for all.

Steven Gregersen lives in Fortine, Montana. His letter appeared in the Winter 2006 issue of Rural Heritage.