Missouri Couple Fined $4 Million for selling rabbits.
By Dave Gahary -

For almost two years, federal officials have been harassing a family in Nixa, Mo. for selling too many pet rabbits in one year. Their story is a prime example of federal government overreach and meddling that has turned into a nightmare for John and Judy Dollarhite.

On Sept. 14, AFP conducted an exclusive 90-minute interview with the Dollarhites, who explained every twist and turn of this cautionary tale.

“We wanted to teach our teenage son some responsibility, where food came from, those types of life’s lessons,” explained Mrs. Dollarhite. She said she originally contacted the USDA to see if the family needed licensing to sell rabbit meat. They didn’t.

“We found out pretty quickly that you couldn’t make money selling rabbit meat,” said Mrs. Dollarhite. So, they turned their attention to selling the rabbits as pets after discovering strong demand for these animals. This is where their problems began.

“Our error in judgment,” said Mrs. Dollarhite, “was assuming that if you didn’t need a license to sell meat for human consumption, why would you need a license to sell pet rabbits that sat on your lap?”

In November 2009 they got a knock on their door from a USDA official with no badge or ID. Then, a rude and aggressive Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspector visited them in January 2010.

Not hearing back from these inspectors after eight weeks, Dollarhite said he called the USDA’s Washington, D.C. office and was told, “We’re going to make an example of you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” Dollarhite asked what that meant, and was eventually told, “You’ll have to wait for my report.” The official then hung up on him.

Bartering away their rabbitry on advice from their attorney, the couple heard nothing until they got a certified letter from USDA in April 2011. The Dollarhites told AFP, “The USDA’s letter stated that, based on their investigation, we had sold 619 rabbits, and the fine for that was $3.9 million. But in good faith, they would give us a settlement of $90,643 that we could pay with our credit card. They added that we had until the end of May to do so.”

“In our best year,” explained Judy, “We sold $4,600 in gross sales.” The outrageousness of their situation is apparent. With less than $5,000 in annual sales derived from a pet project for their teenage son, the federal government is now requesting nearly $100,000 in penalties.

AFP asked where the fine stood right now. “We’re not paying it,” said Mrs. Dollarhite. “I don’t know where they stand, but we’re not paying it.” Her husband added: “I’m not paying a dollar. They had their chance. I don’t believe that we are within their jurisdiction, because the state of Missouri does not require a license.”

Thank you for your support. 

 
12-20-2011 Up-date

ALL FINE'S DROPPED !!!

We have a signed settlement with USDA. It isn't everything we had hoped for because there wasn't an apology included for all the nightmares we have endured these several months. There is no fine. They stipulated a 2 year ban on obtaining a USDA license, which we never wanted, nor can I ever envision us wanting anything to do with USDA. Thanks to: Claire McCaskill and her office staff, Glen Chambers (Roy Blunt's chief of staff), and Billy Long for their tenacity and support in getting us to this point. Thank you to Clay Bowler for breaking the story, Bob McCarty for picking it up from there, Dr. Gina Louden (internet radio host), Beth Ann with the Common Sense Coalition Radio, Dave Gahary (internet radio host and journalist), Donna Osborn (editor of Christian County Headliner) Trent Loose, Super Dave (internet radio host). In addition to the former list; thank you, thank you, thank you to our friends and even total strangers that have prayed and called into legislators, USDA, and APHIS to voice your opinions on this situation. We are so thankful for all of you! Today, John and I celebrate 24 years of marriage. This is an anniversary we'll remember always. Most of all, we give glory to our Lord and Savior for His strength and guidance.

This is a huge victory over the USDA..... We will continue to fight the AWA regulations and support other breeders.
Changes we would like to see in the AWA.

#1 A breeder is NOT a dealer.
#2 The pet store IS a dealer.
#3 A breeder IS a Farmer.
#4 A farmer should NOT need a license.
#5 A limit of $500.00 is ridiculous.
#6 The USDA or HSUS should NOT be able to remove ANYTHING from YOUR PROPERTY without due process........ If you had a broken tail light on your car the police don't take your car and sell it before your day in court!!!

Thank you all,
John & Judy Dollarhite

 See us on Facebook USDA Bunny Tyranny of the Dollarhite Family for daily updates.