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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Issuance Date: December 13, 2011
Investigative and Enforcement Services Version: Final
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
We believe that you violated the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.) (AWA), as
described in the attached Settlement Agreement. Our agency, the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS), is responsible for enforcing the AWA, and other agriculture laws
that help prevent the spread of animal and plant pests and diseases, and ensure the welfare of
animals.
After providing you with an opportunity for a hearing, we may impose civil penalties of up to
$10,000, or other sanctions, for each violation described in this Settlement Agreement. We are
offering you the opportunity to resolve this matter by paying an amount that is much lower than
the maximum civil penalty.
You should review the information in this Settlement Agreement, including the citation and
notification of penalty.
If you agree to waive your right to a hearing and pay the penalty, then do the following:
o Pay the amount due, $25,714, by January 26, 2012. You can pay by check,
money order, or credit card. For your convenience, we have included additional
instructions for making payments.
United States Department of Agriculture Reference Number: TX11167-AC
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Issuance Date: December 13, 2011
Investigative and Enforcement Services Version: Final
o If you are unable to pay the full amount due by January 26, 2012, you may be
eligible for a payment plan. To request a payment plan, you must use the
enclosed form to submit a written response to this letter by January 26, 2012,
that indicates you wish to pay the penalty and waive your right to a hearing. You
must also submit a copy of your most recent federal tax return. As part of your
response, please include a phone number and an email address so that we may
contact you.
If you do not agree with the terms of this Settlement Agreement, submit a written request
for a hearing, with your Reference Number, to our office by January 26, 2012, at 4700
River Rd., Unit 85, Riverdale, MD, 20737.
If we do not receive a payment or hearing request from you by January 26, 2012, we will
forward this matter to our Office of the General Counsel for litigation.
If you have any questions concerning this letter, contact Deborah Press at (301) 734-4969, or call
our main office at (301) 734-8684.
We believe that you violated the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.) (AWA), as
described below.
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United States Department of Agriculture Reference Number: TX11167-AC
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Issuance Date: December 13, 2011
Investigative and Enforcement Services Version: Final
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United States Department of Agriculture Reference Number: TX11167-AC
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Issuance Date: December 13, 2011
Investigative and Enforcement Services Version: Final
You may pay your penalty immediately through secure online transactions or phone using
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Master Card, and Visa, or by U.S. Mail using a
check, cashier’s check, or money order.
Online. Pay.gov allows you to make deferred and recurring credit card payments
through secure online payments. To submit your credit card payment online:
1. Log on to https://www.pay.gov.
2. Click on Agency List.
3. Click on “A” in Index.
4. Click on Agriculture Department.
5. Click on Department of Agriculture.
6. Click on Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – APHIS Customers
(2nd listing).
7. Complete the required information and submit the form.
8. Enter payment information and submit your payment.
9. Print confirmation screen as your receipt.
Complete the attached form and return it to our office to request a payment plan. Please be
prepared to provide us with copies of your most recent federal tax return so that we may
determine whether you are eligible for a payment plan.
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United States Department of Agriculture Reference Number: TX11167-AC
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Issuance Date: December 13, 2011
Investigative and Enforcement Services Version: Final
If you agree with the terms in this Settlement Agreement but cannot pay the penalty in full at this
time, select one of the options below, sign the form, and return it to the following address prior
to the due date of January 26, 2012:
I understand that by signing this Settlement Agreement, I waive my right to a hearing. I agree to
pay the penalty of $25,714, but I am requesting a payment plan because of financial hardship. I
have enclosed a copy of my most recent federal tax return. I have indicated below if I have
enclosed other documents to show financial hardship:
______Bankruptcy filing
Signature:_______________________________________________Date:__________________
Street Address:_________________________________________________________________
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United States Department of Agriculture Reference Number: TX11167-AC
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Issuance Date: December 13, 2011
Investigative and Enforcement Services Version: Final
Version: Final
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Texas Biomedical Research Institute
P.O. Box 760549
San Antonio, Texas 78245