WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced today that Syrvet, Inc., a veterinary supply wholesaler based in Waukee, Iowa, has agreed to pay a $250,000 civil penalty to settle allegations involving sixteen unlicensed exports of electric cattle prods, from the United States to Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Columbia and El Salvador in violation of the Export Administration Regulations.

These items are listed on the Commerce Control List for crime control reasons.  Syrvet and the BIS have agreed to suspend $150,000 of the fine provided that no additional violations occur and payment of the remaining $100,000 is made in accordance with the agreed upon payment schedule.  Supplement 1 to Part 766 of the EAR allows BIS to suspend part of a penalty under certain circumstances.

"Preventing the illegal export of items that can be used to commit human rights abuses is an enforcement priority,” said  Mario Mancuso, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security.