The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966. It is the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard. The Act is enforced by the USDA, APHIS, Animal Care agency.
Animal Welfare Act
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Animal Welfare Act and Regulations
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for certain animals bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially, or exhibited to the public.
Current Law and Regulations:
- Animal Welfare Act as of February 1, 2010 (PDF | 122 KB)
- Animal Welfare Regulations (PDF | 463 KB)
The current law revises the original law passed in 1966 by incorporating the amendments passed in 1970, 1976, 1985, 1990, 2002, 2007, and 2008.
Text of Original Law:
Amendments:
Final Rules: Animal Welfare
Final rules published in the Federal Register regarding changes to the Animal Welfare regulations.
- Final Rules: Animal Welfare; 9 CFR Parts 1 and 2. Federal Register, Vol. 54, No. 168, August 31, 1989, P. 36112-36163
- Final Rule: Animal Welfare; Standards; 9 CFR Part 3. Federal Register, Vol. 55, No. 32, February 15, 1991, P. 6426-6505
- Final Rule: Random Source Dogs and Cats; 9 CFR Parts 1 and 2. Federal Register, Vol. 58, No. 139, July 22, 1993, P. 39124
- Final Rule: Correction, Random Source Dogs and Cats; 9 CFR Parts 1 and 2. Federal Register, Vol. 58, No. 164, August 26, 1993, P. 45040
- Final Rule: Animal Welfare; Solid Resting Surfaces for Dogs and Cats; 9 CFR Part 3. Federal Register, Vol. 64, No. 75, April 20, 1999, P. 19251
- Final Rule: Field Study; Definition; 9 CFR Part 1. Federal Register, Vol. 65, No. 27, February 9, 2000, P. 6312
- Final Rule: Animal Welfare; Definition of Animal; 9 CFR Part 1. Federal Register, Vol. 69, No. 108, June 4, 2004, P. 31513
The Animal Welfare Act: Background and Selected Legislation (PDF | 139 KB)
Congressional Research Service.
Provides an overview of the Animal Welfare Act including recent amendments and introduced bills.
Legislative History of the Animal Welfare Act, 2007
USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center.
An annotated bibliography of Federal documents related to the US Animal Welfare Act.
Questions and Answers about the Animal Welfare Act and Its Regulations for Biomedical Research Institutions
USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center.
Animal Care Policy Manual
USDA. APHIS. Animal Care.
The policy manual gives policies issued by APHIS/Animal Care that clarify the Animal Welfare Act regulations. Among the topics covered are "Written Narrative for Alternatives to Painful Procedures", "Space and Exercise Requirements for Traveling Exhibitors", and "Annual Report for Research Facilities". Originally issued in April 1997, new policies may be added at any time and included in the manual.
Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act (PDF | 125 KB)
USDA. APHIS. Animal Care.
This pamphlet provides guidelines for dealers, exhibitors, transporters, and researchers. It lists most regulated and exempt businesses under the Animal Welfare Act.
Animal Welfare Act: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions Symposium Proceedings, 1998
USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center.