The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is continuing to engage the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), along with Idaho Governor Brad Little's office, to address the department's decision to start removing all pet products containing hemp and hemp derivatives (CBD) from the marketplace, beginning on November 1.

NOW is the time we must all collectively act and make our voices heard.

The NASC's scope continues to be dosage-form animal health products that are not intended for nutritional benefits, and we have sent several emails to personnel within ISDA, as well as to policymakers in Governor Brad Little's office, asking for clarification on intended upcoming enforcement around animal remedies/health supplements.

We have a meeting scheduled on Friday, October 14 with individuals in Governor Little's office, at which time we hope to have a positive discussion about the consequences of removing products for non-human-food-chain animals (dogs, cats, and horses), and to find a responsible path forward for these products.

In support of this upcoming meeting, we ask everyone to please make their voice heard by contacting Governor Little's office. If you are an Idaho resident or conduct business in Idaho, it is particularly important that you take the time to write and/or call. This is your state government and you vote in Idaho!

To call: Dial (208) 334-2100 and press 2 to leave a message.

To write: Visit https://gov.idaho.gov/contact/contact-us/ and complete the electronic form.

• For the Message Topic field, select Agriculture.
• In the "Enter your message to the Governor" box, either write about your concerns in your own words, or use one of the examples below to get started and personalize it as much as you can. 

TAKE ACTION!

Example 1 | Dear Governor Little: I am writing to express my significant concern for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's announcement that it will remove products containing hemp from all animals, including companion animals. Hemp products that do not contain detectable levels of THC are not marijuana and have not been found to cause any verified concern for negative health consequences in dogs, cats, and horses despite many years of use of these products in these species. Simply removing the products will not responsibly address the issue and may result in harm to animals, as people will continue to source products from wherever they can, possibly from companies without specific expertise in animal health and wellness.

[Conclude by adding your own story of how these products have made a difference for your pet, or about the benefits you have seen ... and send. 

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Example 2 | Dear Governor Little: I am writing to express my dire concern about the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's decision to remove products that contain hemp from all animals, including companion animals.

I have used these products for my (dog/cat/horse) (pet's name), and ... [add your own story about how the products have benefitted your animal and how you/your pet will be impacted].

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Example 3 | Dear Governor Little: I am writing to express my dire concern about the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's decision to remove products that contain hemp from all animals, including companion animals. 

We conduct business in the state of Idaho and this action will have a significant impact on our company and customers in a country with an already struggling economy. The state will lose both sales tax and revenue that directly supports those who live and work in Idaho. There has been no basis for these actions founded in concerns for animal safety in dogs, cats, or horses and we urge you to reconsider your position.

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TAKE ACTION!

You can copy, paste and personalize the examples above, or free feel to write something in your own words. The most important thing is that you take action if this is an issue that is important to you.

Please pass this along to animal owners, business associates, pet stores and retailers, veterinarians, and especially Idaho voters in your network. 

Sincerely, 

—Bill Bookout, NASC President