I suspect that it would be a good guess. And you and GA may have some common ground on that, as it could very well be a case where the Vet's lobbied for laws that benefit them, and not the animals or producers. But, that would be the "next" debate. This guy IS guilty of this crime. A jury will decide the rest.
Certainly, and I’m generally a law and order type, but I see more of a fine and even some community service. He does not appear to have had any abuse of the animals in mind here, simply a business decision. I wish the USDA would really do their job and police these places as they are supposed to, but they don’t. And there is a movement afoot to police more and more breeders (including small hobby breeders like me who have a litter every few years).