Miniature Dairy Goat Association’s (MDGA)

Position Statement Opposing the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)

The MDGA opposes the implementation of a mandatory NAIS at both the state and federal levels. NAIS would apply to every person who owns even one livestock animal which would include dairy goats. MDGA is opposed to this program because:

• NAIS will not improve animal health or public food safety.

• The government and industry already have established systems for tracking animals.

• NAIS violates many rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, including:

•  First Amendment - Freedom of religion - NAIS requires registration of animals and premises in spite of scriptural prohibitions.

•  Fourth Amendment - Right to security against unreasonable search and seizure - NAIS enables government surveillance of private property without a warrant.

•  Fifth Amendment - Right to due process - NAIS allows the USDA to seize privately owned animals without due process.

The USDA is attempting to implement this program without Congressional authority and oversight.  It is obvious that NAIS will have serious, unintended consequences which include:

• Significant cost in both time and money to small farms, and private citizens who own pets.

• Limitation of individuals’ ability to grow their own healthy food and enjoy the fruits of their labor, or to keep an animal as a pet.

MDGA believes that these consequences as well as others will cause the destruction of small farms.  For these reasons, MDGA does stand strong against NAIS.