Reply #16: The problem is really that it should be limited to commercial trade.

[Xithras]

My horses are for my own use. I shouldn't have to register with the government for that. My goats are my lawnmowers, I shouldn't have to register with the government for that either. My chickens are primarily for personal use...I eat their eggs and take some of the adolescent fryers for meat. All personal use. The only time livestock leaves my property is for vet trips and the occasional chick giveaway (chickens can occasionally be prolific, so I give chicks away to friends, family, and the local FFA sometimes).

Now that I think about it, I don't see how this can be constitutional. The federal governments authority in agricultural matters stems from the commerce clause. If there's no commerce, I don't see how they can constitutionally mandate this. As far as I can tell, this should be a state matter.