Agriculture Department tells magician to write disaster plan for his rabbit

From Pournelle: http://www.jerrypournelle.com/chaosmanor/?p=14471

 

By Jessica Chasmar – The Washington Times – Monday, July 1, 2013

Magician Marty Hahne didn’t think things could get any more harebrained after the U.S Department of Agriculture harassed him for using an unlicensed rabbit in his magic shows two years ago.

Now, the agency is demanding he draw up a disaster plan for his furry friend.

The Ozark, Mo.-based magician contacted blogger Bob McCarty via email to explain his plight.

“You won’t believe what the USDA has come up with now,” Mr. Hahne wrote late Friday afternoon. “If this wasn’t so stupid, it would be funny!”

“My USDA rabbit license requirement has taken another ridiculous twist,” he continued. “I just received an 8 page letter from the USDA, telling me that by July 29 I need to have in place a written disaster plan, detailing all the steps I would take to help get my rabbit through a disaster, such as a tornado, fire, flood, etc. They not only want to know how I will protect my rabbit during a disaster, but also what I will do after the disaster, to make sure my rabbit gets cared for properly. I am not kidding–before the end of July I need to have this written rabbit disaster plan in place, or I am breaking the law.”

Mr. Hahne also detailed the guidelines the USDA reportedly gave him:

• The new regulation became effective Jan. 30, 2012.

• The written plan must be completed by July 29, 2013.

• Mr. Hahne and his wife, Brenda, must be trained to implement the plan as written.

• The written plan must be available for review by USDA inspectors by Sept. 28, 2013.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/1/agriculture-department-tells-magician-write-disast/

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At least the rabbits will be safe from disaster.

One proposed disaster plan: a tag around the rabbit’s neck. “IN CASE OF DISASTER <KILL> <COOK> <EAT>”

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