Dog Care Services - Multi-Location

Added: Jun 23, 2016 2:57 pm This contract was awarded under FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and Compelling Urgency.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and DOJ-ESC were seeking to pursue a criminal case in which the defendants would be subject to federal dog fighting charges.  During the course of the investigation, a total of 17 criminal targets were identified in nine (9) different judicial districts.  It is anticipated that the federal search warrants would be issued by the end of May 2016 at each location in which targets were located.  These warrants resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 140 dogs.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) both have organizational structures established to process large animal fighting cases: The ASPCA has a Blood Sport Investigation Division and the HSUS has an Animal Fighting Investigation Division.  The processing for both organizations involves but is not limited to being at the sizure site with the law enforcement agencies to assist with both custodial functions as well as evidence functions.  Both the ASPCA and HSUS have experience in processing large animal fighting cases with law enforcement agencies.

DOJ-ESC is requiring a minimal chain of custody for the animals seized for the crimainal prosecution.  Additionaly, DOJ-ESC will be seeking to have one of the two organizations serve as expert witnesses.  The witnesses will be used for testimony regarding conditions of the animals at each seizure location in addition to behavioral analysis for the animals. 

The contract was awarded to the HSUS.