USDA Ends ‘Teachable Moments’

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented its infamous “teachable moments” program. Rather than being written up in an inspection report for failing to comply with minimum animal welfare standards, facilities that ran afoul of the law could simply be asked to do better. When animals such as bear cubs, monkeys, and dogs suffered as a result of federal Animal Welfare Act violations, facilities got off scot-free. After years of pressure from PETA, the USDA announced the end of “teachable moments,” and the agency will now cite all animal welfare violations.