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The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) has filed a lawsuit on behalf of its members against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) over the implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Below is a reverse chronology of the case with links to more information on this site.
For information about NAIS, click on the Learn More tab
Status of the Case: July 23, 2009
July 23, 2009: Court dismisses lawsuit against USDA and MDA. Click here for judge's opinion.
May 18, 2009: Court partially grants FTCDLF's motion to supplement the record.
May 12, 2009: FTCLDF files a reply brief in support of its motion to supplement the record.
May 7, 2009: USDA files a brief opposing FTCLDF's motion to supplement the record.
May 6, 2009: FTCLDF files a sur-reply in opposition to USDA's motion to dismiss.
May 1, 2009: FTCLDF files a motion for leave to supplement the record.
Apr 22, 2009: USDA and MDA files reply briefs in support of their motions to dismiss.
Mar 23, 2009: FTCLDF files briefs in Opposition to USDA’s Motion to Dismiss and Opposition to MDA’s Motion to Dismiss.
Feb 11, 2009: MDA files a motion to dismiss FTCLDF's First Amended Complaint.
Feb 5, 2009: USDA files a motion to dismiss FTCLDF's First Amended Complaint.
Jan 22, 2009: Court denies agencies' motions to dismiss and grants FTCLDF's motion for leave to file amended complaint. FTCLDF files first amended complaint.
Jan 16, 2009: FTCLDF files a reply to USDA’s Opposition to FTCLDF's motion for leave to amend the complaint. Exhibit A is the corrected copy of the First Amended Complaint (as filed January 22--see above entry).
Dec 18, 2008: FTCLDF to Answer Motions to Dismiss the NAIS Lawsuit
USDA and MDA filed motions in November to dismiss the lawsuit, falsely claiming that NAIS is voluntary. Click here for the press release: Legal Defense Fund to Answer to USDA, Michigan Department of Agriculture Motions to Dismiss NAIS Suit.
Sep 8, 2008: NAIS Complaint Filed against the USDA & MDA
FTCLDF General Counsel, Gary Cox was admitted to the District Court for the District of Columbia Bar. Following the admission, he filed the NAIS Complaint against the USDA and Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). Click here for the Complaint for Preliminary and Other Injunctive Relief.
July 14, 2008: NAIS Complaint Mailed for Filing with the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
Once the complaint is filed, the lawsuit will ask the Court to declare that NAIS violates a variety of statutes and to issue an injunction to stop the implementation of NAIS at either the state or federal levels. If successful, the suit would halt the program nationwide. Click here for the press release: Legal Defense Fund Files Suit to Stop Animal ID Program; Suit Targets USDA and Michigan Department of Agriculture.
May 15, 2008: Notice of Intent to Sue the USDA & Michigan Department of Agriculture
Attorneys for FTCLDF sent a Notice of Intent to Sue letter to both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) over implementation of NAIS. Click here for the press release: Legal Defense Fund Moves to Stop Animal ID Program; Files Intent to Sue USDA and Michigan Dept. of Agriculture.
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Donations to the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund ARE NOT tax deductible, because the primary mission of the Fund is to effect change in legal, lobby and legislative arenas. The donations received are 100% usable by the Fund for the primary mission.
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