The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a change to the Animal Welfare Act with respect to dog breeders who sell puppies over the internet. The new rule would require internet based sellers with more than four breeding females to either allow customers to visit their facilities or submit to USDA inspections and licensing.

This legislation is designed to ensure that breeding animals are healthy and not part of "puppy mill" operations. The change will not affect breeders that already operate from physical locations--only operations that did not previously allow puppy buyers to visit their facility will be affected.

The 2012 British Equine Veterinary Association Congress is offering early bird discounts to equine veterinarians and equine veterinary technicians who register by the end of July. The Congress will take place from September 12-15th in Birmingham, England. The BEVA event is promoted as the largest gathering of equine vets in Europe.

The Congress program includes equine medicine and surgery lectures, a trade show featuring innovative products, and a variety of networking and social events. Those interested in participating may register by visiting the BEVA site.

With one of the strongest fields in recent memory lining up to fill the starting gate, tomorrow's Kentucky Derby should be a memorable one. The 138th running of the prestigious event will again draw the finest trainers, owners, breeders, jockeys, and horses that the sport has to offer.

The Derby provides a great networking opportunity for those in the Thoroughbred industry, as a large percentage of equine professionals attend the event.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's animal identification plan has been put on the fast track for review by the White House. The national identification system is designed to allow government health officials to locate the farms from which sick animals originated so that they can identify and quarantine other potentially infected animals.

The plan's review has been expedited in light of the recent case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy ("mad cow" disease) that was identified in California. The animal identification program would require both dairy farmers and beef cattle farmers to tag and register cattle moved from one state to another.