What does the U.S. Department of Agriculture have against birds?
That’s the crux of a lawsuit against the agency that alleges that the USDA has failed to protect birds under the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed an appeal in the suit on June 20, and while it’s true that PETA has a long history of grandstanding, in this case it would seem to have a point: The agency has shown a rather inexplicable indifference to birds, allegedly brushing off complaints of inhumane treatment and dragging its feet on drawing up regulations, according to court records.
